Causes of turf toe
You may develop a turf toe injury if your big toe is bent at a 90-degree angle and pressed flatly against the ground. When you are is in this position, it’s essential not to place excess pressure on the big toe. This is because added pressure can hyperextend the big toe, causing the toe to go beyond its normal range of motion and ultimately causing injury.
Treatment for turf toe depends on the seriousness of the injury, which ranges from grade 1 to 3:
- Grade 1: Treatment for grade 1 turf toe involves the RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) method, which can be done at home, along with taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). You can return to sports once you can tolerate this level of activity.
- Grade 2: Grade 2 treatment focuses on improving your symptoms, which may include wearing a walking boot and partial weight-bearing. An MRI may be done to get a better idea of the extent of your injury.
- Grade 3: Grade 3 injuries may require 8 or more weeks of recovery and immobilization, and sometimes even surgery.