Prevent Turf Toe This Football Season

As football season continues, we’ll see young athletes with big toe sprains. This type of injury is called “turf toe.” The injury gets its name from football players pushing their toes off an artificial turf, causing the big toe to hyperextend or sprain when pushing off the ground. An artificial surface is harder than natural grass and doesn’t give much when pressure is placed on it.

You don’t have to be a football player to have a sprained big toe. Dancers, gymnasts, wrestlers, and those who play basketball and soccer, are also at risk.

How To: Take Action ASAP

If your child’s big toe begins to hurt during sports or other activities, the best thing you can do is stop the workout. Use the RICE method: Rest, apply ice, put on a compression bandage, and elevate the leg until you can get professional help. Over-the-counter medication, such as ibuprofen, can help relieve symptoms of pain and swelling.

See us if the pain is persistent. We will check for bruising and swelling and evaluate the joint's range of motion. We will take X-rays to rule out a fracture and an MRI scan to check for soft tissue injury if needed.

We will treat the injury based on our findings. In many cases, taping the toe to the smaller toes to restrict motion is successful. A custom-fitted orthotic can help reduce stress on the area and restore stability. Strengthening and stretching exercises will reduce joint stiffness and help with flexibility.

For more severe injuries, a walking boot or cast can help immobilize the toe and promote healing. Physical therapy, especially with joint movement, can help prevent joint stiffness.

We will discuss surgical options with you if there are severe tears, fractures, cartilage damage, or joint instability.

At The Center for Podiatric Care and Sports Medicine, Dr. Jonathan Levy, Dr. Nadia Levy, Dr. Diane Castro, Dr. Josef Geldwert, Dr. Katherine Lai, and Dr. Vera Malezhik treat various conditions. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, we offer cutting-edge care for patients in Midtown East and Manhattan. Contact our office at (212) 980-6487. Our office is at 120 E 56th Street, Suite 1150, New York, NY 10022. We continue to offer telemedicine appointments.