An injury called turf toe is when the big toe bends beyond its normal range and over-stretches the ligament. Turf toe was first noticed mostly among football players because pushing off the big toe with great force is a frequent movement during the game. Turf toe is also common among dancers and other athletes who frequently jump or push off the big toe with extreme force. The three categories of turf toe injuries include hyperextension, hyperflexion, and dislocation. A hyperextension injury is a stretch or tear of the big toe joint, and it causes swelling, tenderness, and discoloration. A hyperflexion injury is caused when a player is tackled from behind, pushing the knee forward. A dislocation-type injury occurs when the bones in the big toe are dislocated or fractured. People with flat feet may be more prone to turf toe injuries because of increased pressure on the big toe. If the joint of the big toe has become injured, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to determine the cause and receive the appropriate treatment options.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Joan Oloff, DPM of Los Gatos Foot and Ankle . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Los Gatos, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.