Turf toe is a sprain of the largest joint of the big toe, known as the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. It occurs when the toe is forcibly bent upwards, such as when pushing off into a sprint and having the toe get stuck flat on the ground. The injury is named "turf toe" because it is often associated with playing sports on rigid surfaces such as artificial turf. It is a fairly common injury among professional American football players, but it can also occur in other sports and activities.

Symptoms of turf toe include pain, swelling, and bruising. The severity of the injury can vary from stretching of the soft tissue to partial tearing, and even total dislocation of the MTP joint. Treatment for turf toe typically starts with rest, ice, and elevation. Wearing proper footwear can provide stability for the toe and foot. In more severe cases, custom orthotics or surgical repair may be necessary.

To diagnose turf toe, a physical examination is often conducted, which may include imaging scans such as X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) . Turf toe can be prevented by wearing hard-soled shoes when running ...