Turf toe occurs when your big toe overextends upwards, back toward the foot. This can cause the ligaments to strain and can even damage the bones. The name comes from football as it's on turf fields where this injury is most common, but it is not an injury limited to sports or athletes.
If you've hurt your toe in this manner you can sometimes manage the symptoms at home. When if it doesn't improve or you quickly notice it's not a slight sprain, and if it's too painful, you should turn to your Howell and Brick, NJ, podiatrist. For more information regarding turf toe and treatments, you can consult with Dr. Keith Rosenthal, Dr. Julian Sansone, and Dr. Marjorie Rarama of The Foot and Ankle Center.
At-Home Treatment
If you recognize the injury as turf toe from the above description--there is often a loud popping sound that accompanies it--your best course of action is going directly to your podiatrist for advice and treatment. But if your injury is not very severe you can manage some of the symptoms at home with ice and over-the-counter medication to lower inflammation and deal with the pain.
How Your Podiatrist Can Help
Your doctor will examine your foot and determine if it is a turf toe. Be sure to explain to them the circumstances of the injury. Imaging tests can be useful in showing the extent of tissue and bone trauma. In some cases keeping weight off of it can be enough, allowing it to heal on its own. For this purpose, a protective boot and crutches can help, though a cast might be more appropriate for other cases. But if there is a fracture or ligaments are torn you may be prescribed surgery.
Sports Injuries in Jackson, Brick, and Howell, NJ
You can help prevent a turf toe by wearing shoes that will prevent your toe from bending awkwardly. Appropriate shoes are key to preventing many sports injuries, and so are regular visits to your podiatrist.
Whether you are seeking to prevent a sports injury or to have one treated, schedule a consultation with Dr. Rosenthal, Dr. Sansone, and Dr. Rarama of The Foot and Ankle Center serving the surrounding areas of Jackson and Brick, NJ. Dial (732) 833-2800 to reach the Howell, NJ, office, and (732) 477-0441 for the office in Brick, NJ.