Metatarsophalangeal Joint Sprain, or Turf Toe, is a condition where the ligament underneath your big toe hyperextends causing a sprain and damaging the plantar capsuloligamentous complex.
Turf Toe Treatment
What is Turf Toe?
Turf toe is a sprain of the big toe due to the hyperextension of the ligament under the big toe, which leads to damage of the plantar capsuloligamentous complex. This may cause tearing or disruption of these structures, destabilising the big toe joint.
Turf toe is a graded condition with recovery times ranging from 2-12 weeks depending on severity. This condition is common in those who play football and athletes who sprint or jump a lot.
What are the causes?
Turf Toe is caused when you sprain your big toe by bending it too far or too forcefully. This happens when you plant your toe and raise your heel.
Usually during playing sports, for example, when you are pushing off the ground to start running and your toe gets stuck on the ground.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms may vary due to severity of the condition, but may include:
- Pain, swelling and bruising in the front of your foot
- Inability to bend your big toe down
- Inability to weight-bear
- A loose joint that can dislocate
Treatment for Turf Toe
This condition is treated with rest, ice and physical therapy; your physiotherapist will use soft tissue release and strengthening exercises to treat turf toe.
Along with:
- Soft tissue release
- Taping & Bracing
- Stretching exercises
- Strengthening exercises
- Shockwave therapy for the chronic condition
- TECAR therapy for the acute condition
- Self management techniques
- Tailored exercise program
- Education on footwear
- Custom Foot Orthotics
Your physiotherapist may recommend a splint to be worn at night to stretch and realign your toe joint.
What can I do at home?
There are several things you can do from home to help relieve the pain of turf toe.
They include:
- Resting the foot and limiting physical activity
- Icing the inflamed area every 2-3 hrs for 20-minutes
- Elevating
- Compression
How to book an appointment?
If you think that you may be suffering from turf toe, or you’re looking for a ‘physiotherapist near me’, our team at Vitalis Physiotherapy can assess and diagnose the condition. They will then tailor your treatment plan to aid in your pain relief and recovery.
All you need to do is just give us a call on 0410 559 856 and request an initial appointment. Please let our friendly reception staff know the background and severity of your condition.
You can visit our FAQs for more information about appointments at Vitalis Physiotherapy.
Need Help?
Are you suffering from Turf Toe? Contact Vitalis Physiotherapy now to book in your treatment.
Call our friendly team on 0410 559 856. We’d love to help.