Talking About Turf Toe

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you have stubbed your toe in the middle of the night or had it injured during a game, you can attest to the pain such a little thing can bring! Your big toe may be small when compared to other parts of your body but an injury such as turf toe can sideline any athlete or weekend warrior.

Turf toe is a big toe injury that occurs when the big toe joint is hyper-extended. It can happen when the toe is jammed suddenly or through a repetitive pushing off action such as what happens when running or jumping. It is a very common injury seen in football players who play on artificial turf, hence the name of the injury. Dr. Tina Boucher, foot specialist in Meriden, CT sees turf toe occur in other as well such as: gymnastics, dance, basketball, soccer and wrestling.

Turf toe is actually a sprain to the ligaments around the big toe joint. Common symptoms associated with turf toe include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Limited movement of the big toe joint

Continuing to engage in activity or play sports with this injury will only cause it to worsen. It is important to treat turf toe at the onset to get you back in the game quickly. Dr. Boucher offers patients with turf toe several effective treatment options that include: anti-inflammatory medications, rest, icing, compression, elevation, taping and change of footwear.

Contact our conveniently located podiatric office and make an appointment if you feel you may have suffered a turf toe injury. Call (203) 238-3668 or visit us at www.centralctfootcare.com.

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