What is Turf Toe?

Turf Toe is pain occurring at the base of the big toe.  Most commonly it happens where your big toe bends when you are walking or running. 

Turf Toe happens because of stress and bio-mechanical issues.  Repeated slamming of the big toe when running, jumping or walking puts strain on the joint.  This can be a repetitive injury that can keeps happening unless you understand hot to prevent it.  

This injury is frequently seen with athletes who play football, rugby, soccer, wrestling or any sport that promotes "pushing off" quickly with resistance. Keeping the foot moving properly and preventing shock when stepping down or jumping can help.  In some cases, stiff sole orthotics may be necessary to prevent the symptoms of Turf Toe.   It is common to have bracing during athletic performances to prevent excessive hyperextension of the toe.  

How do you get Turf Toe if you are not an athlete? 

Making sure you are not sitting with your foot flexed and the toe flexed can help keep strain off the joint.  Walking, sitting, standing properly will also help prevent problems with the toe and the whole kinetic chain of the foot, ankle, knee, hip and back.  

One thing that really helps is Chiropractic!   Adjustments of the foot, spine and hip can prevent Turf Toe.  Jamming your foot into the ground constantly will lock up the foot joints making it impossible for your foot to function the way it is supposed to.  The foot should move properly in order for the rest of the body to move the way it should.  

Dr. Amie Gregory, DC, CCEP, ANF will Make sure that all 26 bones in the foot are moving properly.  This will make sure that there is not any added pressure to the big toe and prevent chronic flare ups from occurring. If you have this problem, please contact our Sam Carlos, CA or San Francisco, CA office today for a consultation!