Turf Toe: Sport-Related Big Toe Sprain Awareness & First Aid Considerations (Canada)

What Is Turf Toe?

“Turf toe” is a sprain involving the ligaments around the big toe joint. Although the term became popular in football played on artificial turf, the injury can occur in many activities that involve running, jumping, pushing off, or sudden directional change.

First Aid & Workplace/Sport Relevance

Turf toe is often associated with field sports, dance, and gymnastics, but it can also happen in general recreation or active workplaces that involve kneeling, crouching, or sudden push-off. Awareness of sprains helps prevent worsening of the injury and supports safe return to activity.

Scenario: Mild & Realistic

A high-school soccer player felt a sharp pain at the base of the big toe after pivoting during a sprint. The coach removed them from play, elevated the foot, and arranged follow-up with a healthcare professional. Light conditioning was resumed only once pain eased.

How Turf Toe Happens

The big toe joint functions like a hinge that enables pushing off during walking and running. Two small bones under the joint (called sesamoids) help absorb force and transfer energy.

Turf toe typically occurs when the big toe bends upward more than usual (hyperextension), such as:

Sudden push-off during running or jumping
Falling forward onto a planted toe
Repetitive strain during sport or dance
Wearing footwear without adequate forefoot support
Playing on firm artificial surfaces

Symptoms

Depending on whether the injury is sudden or repetitive, symptoms may appear right away or gradually:

Common signs include:

Localized pain at the base of the big toe
Swelling and tenderness
Reduced range of motion or difficulty pushing off
Increased discomfort during running, jumping, or quick starts
In abrupt injuries, a “pop” sensation may be noted

Assessment & Diagnosis

Healthcare professionals may assess:

How the injury occurred
Sports or occupational demands
Type of footwear
Foot structure or previous injuries
Location of swelling and tenderness

Imaging (such as X-ray or MRI) may be used to rule out fractures or assess ligament involvement.

First Aid Awareness & General Management Considerations

Public first aid programs often highlight:

Resting the joint and avoiding repeated push-off movements
Protecting the area from further strain
Elevating to reduce swelling
Applying cold packs for comfort
Consulting a healthcare professional if pain persists or activity is limited

Healthcare providers guide return-to-activity, footwear considerations, taping or supportive strategies, and rehabilitation exercises as needed.

Prevention & Conditioning

Strategies that may reduce risk include:

Footwear that supports the forefoot during sport
Strength and mobility exercises for the foot and lower leg
Gradual build-up of sport intensity
Surface and training variation
Early reporting of foot discomfort

FAQ — Turf Toe Explained

1. Does turf toe only happen on artificial turf?
No. It can occur on grass, hardwood, mats, and gym floors as well.

2. Is turf toe serious?
Severity varies. Mild sprains improve with rest, while more significant sprains may limit activity until assessed.

3. Why does footwear matter?
Supportive shoes help distribute force and reduce hyperextension during push-off.

4. Can turf toe come on slowly?
Yes. Repetitive stress may produce gradual pain instead of a sudden injury.

5. Who gets turf toe?
Athletes in running, field sports, dance, gymnastics, and wrestling are common examples, but anyone can experience it during forceful toe push-off.

Educational Note

This article promotes public education about foot sprains related to sport and activity, first aid awareness, and prevention. Healthcare professionals provide diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation plans.