Turf Toe is a dreaded injury, specifically among those who play contact sport. The injury is associated with a constant jamming or hyperextension of the 1st (big) toe joint leading to an injury of the ligament supporting the joint or the joint itself. It will commonly occur on much harder grounds such as those made from artificial surfaces or those which have experienced significant drought. The first toe joint is a primary lever system for the powerful propulsion of a player and can leave them out of action for a significant amount of time.
Turf toe has been one of the most undertreated and over simplified injuries of the foot, the identification and following management protocols require a complete and systematic assessment of the foot as a whole and then the narrowing and specification of the first toe complex.
The severity of a first toe joint hyperextension injury is directly correlated to the amount of energy which is generated at the time of injury and the extent at which the toe is pushed past the individual’s available range of motion. Frimenko et al showed that those who had less than 78 degrees available at the first metatarsal phalangeal joint were 50% more like to sustain a turf toe injury.
The biomechanical pathogenesis of a turf toe injury is the excessive extension moment under increased force of the plantar capsule leading to an injury of the capsuloligamentous structures surrounding the first metatarsal phalangeal joint. Up to eight times an athlete’s body weight can be transmitted through the toe during an extensive moment which has the potential to rupture the capsule.
Contributing factors which are seen to increase the likelihood of a first to injury include; highly flexible shoes, increased forefoot contact time, the changing properties of artificial turf over time from increased play upon the surface, both varus and valgus stress mechanisms and the use of synthetic turf. The injury has been commonly viewed in the United States where synthetic turf has been available for field play for quite some time with Gridiron (American football) being played on these type surfaces since the late 1970’s.
The standard imaging desired for the identification of a turf toe injury is plain radiograph, with specific attention being paid to observations of malalignment or small avulsions at the first metatarsal phalangeal joint or chondral injury – sesamoid position can also be viewed. MRI is suggested if there remains a suspicion of injury which is not noted by plain radiograph.
| Grade | Description | Management |
| One | Least severe injury which commonly will be the result of a minor stretch without the compromise of tissue properties. There can be local edema, with little change in range of motion and the patient can weight-bear. Medical imaging will show no abnormality. | 3-5 days in a boot Protective mobilization with taping NSAIDs Ice Strengthening |
| Two | A partial tear of the capsule or ligaments surrounding the first MTPJ with diffuse pain and increased tenderness as well as mild edema. | Strictly 2 weeks min non-weight bearing Protective mobilization 1st Ray rehabilitation Taping for return to sport Custom orthotic with mortons extension |
| Three | Acute plantar capsuligamentous disruption or chronic injury with high level of pain and tenderness | Surgery is required No weight bearing for 4-6 weeks 1st ray rehabilitation Taping for return to sport Custom orthotic with mortons extension |
As you can see, such is the case with most soft tissue injuries, the best approach to take when treating Turf Toe is through a multi-facet one. Off-loading devices, strength and conditioning exercises and full range of motion rehabilitation is required to yield the best results.
Until next time, thanks for reading.
Jackson McCosker
Director /Chief Editor
References
Boike, A., Schnirring-Judge, M., & McMillin, S. (2011). Sesamoid Disorders of the FIrst Metatarsophalangeal Joint. Clinical Podiatry Medicine and Surgery, 2 – 16.
Childs, S. (2006). The Pathogenisi and Biomechanics of Turf Toe. Orthopaedic Nursing, 276 – 280.
Frimenko, R., Lievers, W., O’Rielly, P., Park, J., Hogan, M., Crandall, J., & Kent, R. (2013). Development of an Injury Risk Function for First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Sprains. Medicine and Science in Sport & Exercise, 2144 – 2150.
Jennings, D., & Gissane, C. (1994). Turf-Toe: Super League Toe. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 31-164.
VanPelt, M., Saena, A., & Allen, M. (2013). Turf Toe Injuries. In Sports Medicine and Arthroscopic Surgery of the Foot and Ankle (pp. 13 – 28). San Antonio: Department of Sports Medicine.
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