Turf Toe

A turf toe is an injury to the great toe joint. It occurs when the great toe is forced upward such as may occur when an athlete cuts hard on artificial turf. With too much upward force on the great toe the soft-tissues (capsule) lining the base of the great toe joint is injured or in some instances completely torn. This leads to pain and swelling in the toe. Treatment for partial tears of the capsule includes rest, ice, avoiding aggravating activities, taping or shoes to limit movement of the great toe, and most of all time – often 2-8 weeks or more. Complete ruptures of the capsule require surgery and a prolonged recovery of 4-6 months.