Turf toe is an injury to the big toe joint, specifically the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, which is the joint at the base of the big toe. It occurs when the big toe is forcefully bent upwards beyond its normal range of motion—a hyperextension injury—that stretches or tears the ligaments and soft tissues supporting the joint. The injury often involves damage to the capsule, ligaments, and the plantar plate, a thick fibrous band that stabilizes the base of the big toe. Turf toe can range in severity from a mild sprain with stretched ligaments to a complete tear requiring surgical repair. This injury commonly happens in sports involving sudden push-offs, running, jumping, and pivoting, particularly on artificial turf surfaces, which is how it got its name. The big toe is crucial for walking, running, and jumping because it is the last part of the foot to lift off during push-off. Turf toe causes pain, swelling, stiffness, tenderness, and difficulty pushing off or standing on tiptoes, and more severe injuries can lead to long-term joint instability if untreated.