Although running should not be attempted until the pain goes away, walking may also aggravate the injured tissues because of the extension of the toe during the push-off phase of gait. Also in the early phase of injury, NSAIDS may be used to reduce pain and inflammation. Initial treatment is standard first aid for sprain injuries using rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). There may be swelling and discoloration in the area of the joint as well, depending upon the severity of the injury. When the toe is bent upwards the pain can become quite severe. The main symptom of an MTP joint sprain is pain at the base of the big toe at the first joint. The many variables contributing to these injuries are still inconclusive. Other predisposing factors are a stiff MTP joint, too little or too much ankle mobility, excess weight, and prior injury. Obviously, barefoot athletes may be even more likely to sustain this injury.ĭespite how this common injury got its name, however, it can occur on any playing surface. Over-flexible lightweight shoes may be a culprit as they allow the toe this excess motion. Alternatively, when an athlete comes to a quick stop the toe may be jammed into the front of the shoe, causing hyperflexion of the MTP. When an athlete plants his foot and flexes his ankle to push off, the shoe sticks to the turf, which may be old and inflexible, causing the big toe to hyperextend as the body’s weight is transferred to it. More of these injuries are reported to occur on artificial turf because of its stickiness. Mueller Athletic Tape- 1.5″ X 15Yds Mechanisms of Injury It is quite common in football players, especially linebackers and offensive linemen. The term has become a generic term for any injury to the MTP of the big toe, but the most common cause of this condition is a hyperextension or hyperflexion sprain injury to the joint. Turf toe got its name from the injury’s association with artificial turf. If you expect it to heel quickly you have to be able to protect the toe from the constant aggravation of walking. This seemingly little sprain is a big problem and it can take you out of the game for three or more weeks. You may not realize how important your big toe is until you sprain it. Turf toe, which is actually a sprain of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP), is one of the most common athletic foot injuries.