Welcome to Locke Street Minor Foot Surgery & Orthotics, where our foot specialists can help you in addressing metatarsophalangeal joint sprains, commonly known as turf toe.

About Turf Toe:

This injury is frequently associated with sports played on hard surfaces, such as artificial turf. Turf toe occurs when the big toe is hyperextended, resulting in damage to the joint and surrounding ligaments. While it can affect any toe, it most commonly occurs in the big toe and is frequently observed in sports like football, soccer, basketball, and rugby.

Transitioning from natural grass to turf can help mitigate the risk of this injury, as natural grass provides a softer surface. Turf toe can be particularly debilitating for athletes, given the crucial role of the big toe in tasks such as acceleration, rapid changes in direction, and jumping.

Treatment Options:

1. Taping: Utilizing sports tape to immobilize and restrict the movement of the big toe aids in reducing pain during activity.

2. Rigid Morton’s Extension Brace (Over-the-Counter): This specialized brace features a stiff carbon fiber plate that extends beneath the big toe, limiting bending during walking or running.

3. Laser Therapy: This treatment is effective in reducing inflammation and enhancing the body’s natural healing processes.

4. Orthotic (with Rigid Morton’s Extension): Custom orthotic devices are designed to provide support to the arch, thereby reducing foot instability and restricting motion of the big toe through the inclusion of a rigid Morton’s extension.

5. Footwear with Rigid Sole: Shoes with stiffer soles result in less bending of the big toe, reducing pain and facilitating better healing by minimizing irritation of the joint.

Preventative Measures:

While it can be challenging to entirely prevent this injury due to the unpredictable nature of sports, some recommendations to minimize the risk of turf toe include:

1. Rigid Morton’s Extension Brace (Over-the-Counter): This product is readily available and aids in reducing excessive motion of the big toe, lowering the likelihood of turf toe.

2. Taping: Prior to every activity, taping the affected toe can provide added stability to the joint and minimize the risk of hyperextension.

3. Orthotics with Rigid Morton’s Extension Brace: These custom devices not only feature a stiff shaft extension beneath the big toe but also offer comprehensive support and stability for the entire foot.

4. Footwear with Rigid Sole: Restricting the bending of the affected toe reduces the chances of reinjuring the area.

At Locke Street Minor Foot Surgery & Orthotics, we are committed to providing personalized care for metatarsophalangeal joint sprains, including turf toe.

Schedule an appointment so we can help you get back to doing the things you love.

Your path to comfortable, healthy feet begins here.