Turf Toe
Conveniently located to serve Artesia, Rancho Cucamonga, and surrounding areas
If you need to address turf toe in Artesia, you can seek advice and treatment options at My Foot Clinic. Turf toe affects athletes and is most common among football players who sprain their toe due to sprinting or sudden movements. If you injure your big toe, it is important to consult experts for prompt treatment.
What is Turf Toe?
Turf toe is a sprain of the big toe joint resulting from injury during sports activities. The injury usually results from excessive upward bending of the big toe joint. The condition can be caused from either jamming the toe, or repetitive injury when pushing off repeatedly when running or jumping. Although this injury is most commonly reported in football players, participants in soccer, basketball, wrestling, gymnastics and dance also are at risk.
Causes of Turf Toe
The name “turf toe” comes from the fact that this injury is especially common among athletes who play on artificial turf. When playing sports on artificial turf the foot can stick to the hard surface, resulting in jamming of the big toe joint. There has also been some indication that less-supportive flexible shoes worn on artificial turf are also to blame.
Recognizing Turf Toe Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of turf toe can include pain, swelling, and limited joint movement.
If turf toe is caused by repetitive actions that cause injury, the signs and symptoms will usually begin slowly and can gradually worsen. Turf toe can also be caused by a direct injury leading to damage of the bone beneath the cartilage. If direct injury is the cause, the signs and symptoms may begin suddenly and get worse over a 24-hour period.
Do You Need Turf Toe Treatment?
If you overstretch or tear the ligaments on your big toe, you may be an ideal candidate for turf toe treatment. You may be a good candidate if you experience swelling, pain, and other symptoms of a big toe injury. It is important that you seek help right away in order to avoid long-term damage to your foot.
How is Turf Toe Diagnosed?
This is based on patient’s medical history and clinical examination. Your consultation at My Foot Clinic will include a physical examination of your affected area. You may be asked to move your toes to determine your range of motion. The affected area will also be checked for tenderness.
Imaging and diagnostic tests will be performed to properly assess your injury. X-rays are typically ordered to rule out any broken bone. Other imaging studies such as MRI and CT can be helpful.
Then a treatment plan will be developed to address your turf toe based on its severity. You will be given specific instructions and may be scheduled for a follow-up appointment.
Effective Turf Toe Treatments
Initial treatments include rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Over-the-counter medications may be prescribed to help with pain and control swelling.
The injured toe may be strapped or taped to the toe next to it to relieve pressure. Other treatment options like physical therapy may be recommended. Operative treatment is reserved for individuals with severe cases and prolonged pain but is rare.
Recovering from Turf Toe
Depending on the grade of your injury, your recovery time can take less than a week to several months. If managed early, you can heal from turf toe injury properly with minimal to no long-term effects.
The swelling and pain may disappear quickly depending on the severity of your condition. You may need to wear special footwear or shoe inserts to help immobilize your injured toe through the healing process.
Turf Toe Treatment Costs
The cost of turf toe treatment varies from one patient to another. The overall price will include diagnostic test and imaging fees and, when surgery is necessary, surgical fees.
Contact Us
Find out more about how to treat turf toe in Artesia so you can bounce back fast and get back on the field again. Contact My Foot Clinic today to schedule your consultation.
