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Do You Have Turf Toe

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Have you ever heard of something called turf-toe? This can be the name for a large group of injuries that affect the ligaments that connect the foot bones to the bones of the toes. Usually the toe most affected by this type of injury is the big toe and generally the area most affected is around the larger joint at the base of this toe.

As we walk and step we bend our foot forwards and push it backwards to create energy or momentum. Most of this energy distribution is through the big toe and is made from bending the joint at the base of this toe. When we do this we stretch our ligaments and the foot is able to be lifted off the ground. At that point the toe is able to return to a flat position and the ligaments are no longer stretched and return to rested position. The average range of flexion for a toe is around 80 degrees.
Problems arise when the toe is not relaxed and instead is pushed out farther than it is able to regularly extend to. This can be called hyperextension. When this occurs one or more of the ligaments involved in this over extension is torn. What results is that the person will experience immediate pain and will have trouble walking without some degree of discomfort. Generally, there will be swelling and an avoidanceof using the foot or toe in particular.

Usually this is an injury that sports people will suffer from and can come from the kicking of a ball, or from being tackled as they run. There has also been a problem with this injury occurring most often on playing fields such as grass or artificial turf – hence the name turf-toe. Should you be experiencing pain in your toe when you walk or in certain positions then seeking the advice and treatment options from your orthopedic doctor can help to find some treatment options and pain management solutions for you.

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