Turf Toe

Turf toe is an injury to the main joint at the base of the big toe. This joint creates the “ball” of the foot. It’s a common sports injury, especially in soccer and football players.

While a big toe injury may seem small, our providers at Goshen Orthopedics understand how it can prevent you from enjoying your favorite sports and activities. Our goal is to get you back in the game as soon as possible and prevent further injuries.

See our foot and ankle and lower extremity trauma specialist for leading-edge, compassionate care for turf toe. Call (574) 534-2548 to make an appointment.

Determining the extent your big toe injury

Your Orthopedics and sports medicine provider may assign a “grade” to your turf toe symptoms:

• Grade 1: Mild pain to a very small, specific area of the ball of the foot, plus mild swelling, with full range of motion of the big toe
• Grade 2: Mild to moderate pain over a wider area of the ball of the foot, plus moderate swelling and some bruising, with limited range of motion and pain in the big toe with movement
• Grade 3: Severe pain, swelling and bruising, with poor range-of-motion or inability to move the big toe

Turf toe occurs when any of the soft tissue structures in the main joint of the big toe is injured. Common injuries that cause turf toe include stretched or torn ligaments, damaged cartilage or a dislocated joint. These injuries happen when the big toe is hyperextended by planting the foot on the ground, raising the heel and pushing off against the ball of the foot.

Find the right turf toe treatment

The experienced providers at Goshen Orthopedics customize your treatment to your injury and personal needs.

Lower-grade turf toe injuries may only need rest and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications. Severe grade 3 turf toe may require more aggressive treatment, including surgery. Through Goshen Rehabilitation, we provide physical therapy to strengthen your foot structures and restore mobility to the joint after a turf toe injury.

Our team works together to bring you exceptional care that focuses on you.