Whether or not you are an athlete, you could experience a podiatric condition called turf toe. An over flexion of the big toe when playing on inflexible athletic fields, turf toe limits mobility and playing time too. To keep moving--and competing-- see Dr. Rose Sotolongo. She is Ridgeland Podiatrist at The Foot Doctor in Ridgeland MS.

Ouch, that hurts!

Yes, turf toe will make you say that. This common foot problem often happens quickly as your toe catches on artificial turf or other hard playing surfaces, hyper-extending the big toe. Quickly shifting your weight and changing direction precipitates the injury too. Football and soccer players, dancers, and gymnasts suffer from turf toe.

Symptoms of turf toe include:

• Pain
• Tenderness
• Swelling and redness
• Joint instability or stiffness
• Limited range of motion in the toe or even the entire foot

Besides athletes, women may develop turf toe from wearing high-heeled shoes. Also, poorly supportive footwear--casual, dress, or athletic--causes the injury, reports the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS). In any case, report your symptoms to your Ridgeland podiatrist right away to rule out fractures and to pin down a diagnosis.

Treating turf toe

Your treatment plan depends on the results of your exam and X-rays with The Foot Doctor. Foot surgery is a last resort for this problem. More usual interventions are:

• RICE--rest (sometimes for weeks), ice to the foot and toe, compression with a bandage, and elevation of the foot
• Physical therapy to improve range of motion
• Wearing shoes with stiffer structural components or graphite inserts--also called turf toe plates
• Wearing a walking boot or cast and crutches to fully immobilize the toe

Much depends on how your Ridgeland Podiatrist grades your injury (grade one, two, or three).

Feel better and play well

Recovering from turf toe takes time and patience. Going back to old bad habits or training too soon may impact your mobility and function permanently. See The Foot Doctor, Dr. Rose Sotolongo, for the best treatment in the Ridgeland MS area. Call your podiatrist for a consultation at (601) 206-9101. You can get back in the game!