Turf Toe

Injuries to the big toe should be taken seriously, since range of motion and stability deficits in the area can impact how well the athlete can push off to jump or accelerate. Persistent pain, strength loss, and residual stiffness have ended the careers of many prominent athletes. Turf Toe is refer to pain, swelling, or joint stiffness at the base of the big toe, caused by a sprain to the ligaments and joint capsule. It has been given important attention as it relates to football players who play on artificial turf, but it is common in sports such as soccer, basketball, and wrestling also. It can be caused by a traumatic injury mainly when the toe is jammed into the playing surface, or when an opponent lands on the back of the foot when the toe is extended. Other injuries can build over time due to the repeated push off forces required for running or jumping.