Turf toe

Turf toe is a big toe injury that happens when the joint is bent upward too far, stretching or tearing the tissues that hold it in place. It's common among athletes, and the pain, swelling and stiffness it causes can make walking, running or playing sports difficult. With the right care, most people recover well and return to their normal activities.

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Medical illustration of foot and ankle bone anatomy showing the skeletal structures of the lower leg and foot.

Anatomy of the foot (big toe)

The metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint connects your big toe to the rest of your foot. Strong ligaments and a structure called the plantar plate support this joint, helping it stay stable and giving you power to push off the ground when you walk or run.

When the big toe bends upward too far, these supporting tissues can stretch or tear. Without proper care, the joint may lose flexibility over time, making everyday movement less comfortable.

Overview

Symptoms

You may have turf toe if you notice:

Pain or tenderness under the big toe, especially when pushing off
Swelling or bruising around the joint
Limited upward or downward motion in the big toe
A popping sensation at the time of injury
Pain that worsens with running, jumping or kneeling

Symptoms can range from mild to more severe depending on the extent of the ligament injury.

Causes

Common causes of turf toe include:

Sudden hyperextension during sports, such as quick stops, falls or tackles
Shoes that don't provide enough support during activity
Repetitive stress from activities like dancing, kicking or running
Foot shape or movement patterns that put extra pressure on the joint
Direct impact, such as jamming the toe against the ground or another object

Risk factors

Certain factors may increase your chances of developing turf toe, though having one or more does not mean you'll experience this injury. These factors include:

Playing sports on artificial turf or hard playing surfaces
Wearing flexible, low-support athletic shoes
Participating in sports involving frequent sprinting, jumping or sudden stops
Having a foot shape or gait that places extra stress on the big toe joint

Your foot and ankle specialist can help you understand your personal risk and how to protect your joint during activity.

Diagnosis

Your foot and ankle specialist will review your symptoms, activity level and how the injury happened. Diagnosis may include a physical exam to check pain, motion and joint stability, along with specific tests to assess ligament support. X-rays can help rule out fractures or issues with the small sesamoid bones near the joint, while an MRI or ultrasound may be used if a more serious soft tissue injury is suspected. A gait analysis can also help identify any movement changes caused by pain.

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