How Long Does Turf Toe Last?

Suresh Sivacolundhublog

How Long Does Turf Toe Last

If you’re experiencing sudden pain in one of the joints of your big toe and have recently been diagnosed with turf toe, you might be wondering how long you can expect it to last (and what you can do to speed recovery along). This is a common big toe injury; while treatment and recovery will depend on its severity, the outlook is generally good for most people. 

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What is Turf Toe? 

‘Turf toe’ is the name given to a sprain of the big toe’s metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint (also known as the plantar complex). It occurs when you bend your big toe up too far towards the top of the foot and affects the tissue along with one (or more) of the joints that connect the toe to the rest of your foot.

Its name dates back to the 1970s when this sort of injury was prevalent among footballers playing on artificial turf. 

What Causes Turf Toe? 

What Causes Turf ToeIn most cases, turf toe occurs as an acute injury associated with sports (such as football, netball, and basketball). This is due to the rapid accelerations and decelerations, pivots, and quick direction changes that such activities entail. 

This injury can also develop over time as a result of repetitive loading (such as pushing off for sprints and dance). It also occurs outside of sport, such as a slip, fall, or shoes that don’t provide adequate support.

You are more likely to develop turf toe when playing sports on hard surfaces and artificial turf.

What Are the Symptoms of Turf Toe? 

The most common symptoms include pain and swelling. In cases where the injury has occurred suddenly, you may hear or feel a pop. The pain will start immediately and increase over the next 24 hours.

Other symptoms include:

  • Pain that radiates from where the big toe meets the foot
  • Swelling, bruising, and tenderness
  • Limited mobility and range of motion
  • Difficulty bending the big toe downwards
  • Loose joints

How Long Does Turf Toe Last? 

This is a tough question to answer, as it depends entirely on the severity of the injury and the proposed treatment. A mild case of turf toe generally resolves in a few weeks with proper rest, whereas recovery from a more serious injury can take up to six months (especially if surgery is required).

Grade 1 Injury

This refers to a minor stretch of the soft tissue within the big toe and is the least severe of the grades. You may experience minor swelling and/or pain with only some limitations on mobility. Recovery typically takes a few days to a week. Treatment options include:

  • RICE method – Rest (stop doing activities that make the injury worse), ice (apply a cold pack to the area to keep the swelling down), compression (tape your big toe to your other toes to keep it from moving too much), and elevation (lie down with your foot up to keep swelling down).
  • Take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for the pain.
  • Wear shoes that don’t bend too easily to prevent the toe from bending too far.

Grade 2 Injury

This refers to a moderate stretch and even partial tearing of the plantar complex, which limits mobility and typically leads to more serious pain and/or swelling. Recovery typically takes a few weeks for turf toe to completely heal and often requires some time away from sports. Treatment options include:

  • Methods used for grade 1 injuries.
  • Use crutches or a walking boot to prevent your toe from bending.
  • Physical therapy may be needed to strengthen the muscles.

Grade 3 Injury

This refers to a full tear of the soft tissue or even a bone break, which makes mobility difficult and tends to be accompanied by severe pain, swelling, and tenderness. Recovery can take months, including time in a cast and several follow-up appointments to check your progress. Treatment options include:

  • Methods used for grade 1 and 2 injuries.
  • Surgery (the type will depend on what part of the plantar complex has been damaged, such as sutures for a ligament tear).
  • Wear a cast for six or more weeks to protect the joint as it heals.

Moving Forward From Turf Toe 

While turf toe can be exceptionally painful, the good news is that you will typically completely recover with the right treatment and rehabilitation. Leaving the injury untreated, however, increases your risk for ongoing pain and subsequent injuries.

If you suspect that you have turf toe, it’s important that you book an appointment with a podiatrist to have its severity assessed and a treatment plan created. The team at The Foot Clinic has ample experience with turf toe and can get you back on your feet in no time.

 

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