How Do You Get Rid of Turf Toe?

What is turf toe? Simply put, it's a sprain of the ligaments at the base of the big toe. Usually, this injury affects football or soccer players who perform on astroturf. The trouble happens when the big toe hits the hard surface, getting jammed or bending backward. The pain is immediate, and the problems will only get worse if you don't seek immediate treatment. 

What is Turf Toe? Common Symptoms what is turf toe

Turf toe injuries cause immediate pain. Shortly after the initial pain, a bruise usually develops at the bottom of your big toe. If the injury is severe, the toe may be noticeably dislocated. Over time, your toe will stiffen, and your joint will lose mobility. That's why, if you don't treat a turf toe injury early on, your mobility may be compromised. And you'll open yourself up to future injuries.

Treating Turf Toe in Powder Springs GA

Depending on the severity of your injury, you may be able to avoid surgery. Right after diagnosis, we'll try the RICE approach.  ( That stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation.) This should help with swelling and inflammation, and make it easier for your sprain to heal.  Anti-inflammatory medications can also help reduce swelling while offering pain relief. Buddy taping your big toe can also help immobilize the injury while it heals. In some cases, you may need to change your shoes to prevent your toe from flexing while you walk.

Turf Toe Surgery

While usually avoidable, there are times when you may need surgery to repair this inury. If you've damaged other parts of your foot, or if the injury has destabilized your foot bones, then surgery may be your best option. Afterward, we'll go over your recovery plan carefully, so you'll know when it's safe to get back in the game.

Are you or your child in pain after a sporting game? Have you noticed bruising on the toe? Don't wait around to see if you feel better on your own. Because, whether or not you need surgery, your toe will need time to heal before you can resume athletic activities. Even worse, delaying treatment could lead to further complications or the need for more invasive treatments.

What does that mean for you? At the first sign of big toe pain, make an appointment with our Powder Springs podiatrist. We can quickly assess and treat your turf toe injury. Then we'll get you back into action as soon as possible!

What does that mean for you? If you’ve noticed your big toe is stiff or sore, don’t ignore the problem. Or, worse yet, keep playing through the pain. Instead, request an immediate appointment at our office. Because the sooner we treat your injury, the sooner you can get back in the game. Without compromising your performance, or your health!

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