So do many athletes, active people, and everyday individuals who are on their feet on a regular basis. Whether this injury developed from a jammed toe or repetitive injury from sports, starting the healing process as soon as possible can limit further pain and discomfort that inevitably comes with it. What is turf toe? How can you treat it? Read on and find out the basics and how to treat it.
What is Turf Toe?
Turf Toe refers to a sprain at the base of the big toe due to excessive strain placed on the ligaments in charge of the big toe’s range of motion. Whenever the big toe is exercised beyond its standard range of motion, the ligaments can stretch and even tear. Thus, the outcome of this injury ranges from a mild sprain to a torn ligament.
What Are the Causes?
Usually, this injury develops from athletes playing on artificial turf fields. However, athletes aren’t the only individuals who experience this condition. Walking in unsupportive shoes or even stubbing your toe can result in a sprain at the base of the big toe.
What are the Symptoms?
There are 4 common turf toe symptoms:
- Pain at the base of the foot
- Bruising around the ball of the foot and at the top of the big toe
- Tenderness or swelling around the ball of the foot and top of the toe
- Limited range of motion
As a result of these symptoms, a person suffering from this injury will have difficulty walking. Applying pressure to the foot with Turf Toe would be uncomfortable. This is because the torn ligaments in the toe make it difficult to push off the big toe. The combination of the strain and swelling causes extreme pain and discomfort.
How to Treat Turf Toe
The ideal turf toe treatment involves reducing the swelling of the foot and immobilizing the big toe. This can be done through practicing R.I.C.E (Rest, Ice, Compress and Elevate), especially in the first 24-hours of swelling.
As with most leg or foot sprains, the best practice is to keep the foot elevated as often as possible. This will relieve the strain on the toe and quicken the healing process.
If your toe does not get better after these treatments, the best thing to do is seek professional help from a doctor to ensure no further injury is caused. A doctor will perform evaluations to determine if ligaments are strained or ruptured. Depending on the severity of the issue, a doctor might prescribe a walking boot to protect the foot and/or physical therapy or chiropractic services to restore strength and flexibility.
Get Treatment for Turf Toe
Knowing how to treat Turf Toe is essential to healing this serious injury. At Amazing Life, we offer foot pain services dealing with the heels, soles, arches, and toes.
Your feet are your body’s foundation. Any issue related to the health of your feet should be addressed and resolved immediately. If you are dealing with Turf Toe or are recovering from it and need additional relief, contact us today for evaluations and treatment plans to get your foot back in good health.
