Overview
Turf toe is a sprain of the soft tissues beneath or around the big-toe joint—the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. It typically occurs when the big toe is forced upward while the rest of the foot is planted, such as during a tackle, lunge, push-off or sudden change of direction.
Typical Pattern
- Pain, swelling or bruising at the base of the big toe
- Pain when the toe bends upward or during push-off
- Difficulty sprinting, jumping, cutting or going up onto the toes
- Tenderness under the big-toe joint, sometimes around the small sesamoid bones
Why It Matters
The big toe is a major lever for walking and running. A mild sprain may settle with protection and gradual reload, but a significant injury can involve the plantar plate, sesamoids or joint surface. Continuing to force toe extension can prolong symptoms.
Get Assessed If
There is marked swelling, bruising under the toe, deformity, inability to push off, pain directly over a bone, numbness, or persistent pain that is not improving. X-rays and sometimes additional imaging may be used to exclude fracture or a more substantial soft-tissue injury.
Related Anatomy
This information is for education only and is not a medical diagnosis.