Turf Toe: Diagnosis and Treatment

In brief: The prevalence of artificial playing surfaces on football fields and the use of lightweight shoes on these surfaces have been associated with an increased incidence of metatarsophalangeal joint sprains of the great toe, a condition commonly known as turf toe. Artificial turf tends to decrease shock absorption, and lightweight shoes do not give the player adequate support. Signs and symptoms include pain, hyperemia, and swelling around the joint. Roentgenograms show only generalized soft-tissue swelling unless there is a concomitant fracture. The authors review the pertinent anatomy, mechanisms of injury, differential diagnosis, and possible long-term sequelae of turf toe. In addition, they present guidelines for treatment, return to activity, and prevention.