why is it called turf toe

The term "turf toe" comes from the fact that this injury is commonly associated with playing sports on artificial turf surfaces, which are harder and less forgiving than natural grass. The injury involves a sprain of the ligaments around the big toe joint, specifically the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, caused by forceful hyperextension or bending of the big toe upward beyond its normal range. This often occurs when the toes are planted firmly and the heel lifts up, as frequently happens in sports like American football played on artificial turf (hence the name "turf toe"). The artificial turf's harder surface combined with flexible sports shoes makes athletes more susceptible to this hyperextension injury, which can be painful and limit joint movement.