What is turf toe? Turf toe is, simply stated, a pain at the base of the big toe right where it meets the ball of the foot. Usually, you get turf toe from jamming the toe or from repeatedly pushing off on the toe (like you do when running or jumping). Common complaints about turf toe include pain at the toe base but some people even get swelling and stiffness from turf toe.

In more technical terms, turf toe is a bruise that occurs at the base of the big toe joint called the metatarsal phalangeal joint.  It happens from jamming the toe or from bending the toe too far backwards.  It causes lots of pain and can cause swelling at the base of the toe.  Turf toe can sideline an athlete.  Long term issues with turf toe include arthritis.  This can reduce the flexibility of the toe and the mobility of the toe.  For athletes whose million dollar paychecks depend on their bodies, turf toe can be a huge problem.  For the rest of us, although painful, turf toe can generally be treated successfully.

Common treatments for Turf Toe include ice and elevation.  Anti-inflammatory medication can also be prescribed.  Finally, in severe or critical cases, a device can be used to stiffen the shoe of the sufferer in an effort to reduce the amount of backwards bend the toe experiences.  Some athletes will even put in a steel plate to prevent the toe from bending backwards at all.  Many athletes will also get cortisone shots.  These do help

 For a recurring case of turf toe, the most effective treatment for athletes and non-athletes is the RICE treatment.  Rest, ice, compression and elevation.  The most critical thing for a recurring turf toe injury is to prevent future recurrence.  This is done with special footwear, taping, or steel inserts.  If you have experienced or are experiencing Turf Toe--get to a doctor.  Get it checked.  And get a long-term solution.  Don't sit on it hoping it will go away.

Turf toe ranks as the third leading cause of lost game time among collegiate athletes according to a University of Arkansas study.

Turf toe is graded on a three tier schedule. Grade 1 Turf Toe is localized tenderness with minimal swelling. Grade 2 Turf Toe is widespread tenderness with moderate swelling and ecchymosis (this is just a fancy way of saying bruising). Grade 3 Turf Toe is defined as severe and diffuse tenderness and swelling, moderate ecchymosis and painful range of motion.