1. Big toe Injury and Pain
Turf toe is a condition suffered primarily by high impact athletes, and one of the most common football injuries. Turf toe is a sprain of the first toe; specifically the joint that connects the first toe to the foot. The amount of big toe pain varies according to the degree of injury sustained in this common foot injury. Depending on the severity, swelling and bruising of the toe joint are symptoms of the condition.
2. Grass Won't Save you
Turf toe's name is derived from the original artificial grass turf--a hard material that made the injury more likely to occur. Turf toe is caused by contact that forces the toe upward beyond its normal range of motion. It happens when the big toe is flexed forcibly during person-to-person contact, jammed by "stopping on a dime" or when the joint carries up to eight times a person's body weight, most commonly as a person bursts out of a dead stop.
3. Out of Turf Grows RICE
The initial treatment for any degree of turf toe is the RICE method: rest, ice, compression and elevation. Based on the injury level, categorized as one, two and three, treatment varies after the initial RICE treatment. If RICE is not enough, taping, steel toe inserts, crutches or gentle motion exercises can help. In extreme cases minor surgery may be necessary.
4. Sensible Shoes are Stiff
You can prevent turf toe easily by stabilizing your big toe. Wear stiff-soled shoes, the stiffer the better. Steel toe inserts prevent the toe from moving outside its range of motion. Football trainers also frequently tape the toe in a position that does not allow it to bend too far backwards. Prevention is key, as one incidence of turf toe usually results in a recurring problem.
5. An Unwanted House Guest in Your Shoe
Once turf toe is sustained, it never really goes away. Fortunately turf toe is relatively easy to manage despite its lingering nature. With proper management, most players return close to full strength, and in relative comfort. Turf toe can become an arthritic condition. After the first occurrence, the best possible situation is playing symptom free. Once the injury site is properly stabilized the only drawback is a slightly smaller range of motion.
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