what is turf toe?

Turf toe is a sprain of the big toe joint, specifically the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, which connects the first long bone of the foot (metatarsal) to the first bone of the big toe (phalanx). This injury occurs when the big toe is forcibly bent upward beyond its normal range (hyperextension), often during sports activities involving sudden push-offs, running, or jumping. It frequently results from the toe getting stuck flat on the ground while the heel is raised, which causes excessive upward bending or jamming of the big toe joint. Turf toe is especially common among athletes playing on artificial turf, where the foot can stick to the harder surface, leading to injury. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, and limited joint movement. The injury can range in severity from mild stretching of ligaments to partial or complete tears. Treatment usually involves rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), and sometimes changes in footwear, while severe cases may require surgical intervention.