what is turf toe injury in football

Turf toe is an injury characterized by a sprain of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint in the big toe, which is the largest joint in the big toe where the toe connects to the foot. It occurs when this joint undergoes hyperextension—meaning the big toe is bent too far upward—usually when the toe is planted firmly on the ground and the heel is elevated, as often happens during sprinting, jumping, or pushing off in football. This hyperextension causes stretching or tearing of the ligaments, tendons, and other soft tissues around the joint. The injury is common in football players, especially with the use of artificial turf, which is harder and less forgiving than natural grass. It can vary in severity and is classified into three grades: Grade 1 (stretching of soft tissues without tearing), Grade 2 (partial tears), and Grade 3 (complete tears and possible joint dislocation). Symptoms include pain, swelling, tenderness, and limited movement of the big toe, which can significantly impact an athlete's ability to run, jump, and push off. Turf toe requires rest to heal, with mild cases resolving in about a week, while severe cases may require surgery and months of recovery. It is a significant injury in football due to its effect on agility and performance.