Description
Turf toe is a sprain at the base of the great toe. It occurs when the big toe bends back beyond its normal range of motion. This causes a tear in the ligaments that support it. Pain with turf toe is experienced during walking and running activities.
Symptoms
Symptoms of turf toe include:
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Pain at the base of the great toe that increases with running of jumping
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Swelling and stiffness at the great toe
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Grade I sprain – tenderness at the ball of the foot
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Grade II sprain – swelling and bruising and limitation of joint range
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Grade III sprain – greater degree of pain swelling and bruising and significant limitation of joint motion
What to expect from therapy
Physical therapy treatment involves controlling pain and inflammation through appropriate modalities. Range of motion exercises and manual therapy techniques will help regain normal movement.