These injuries can vary in severity - from stretching of the soft tissue to partial tearing, and even total dislocation of the MTP joint. The term “turf toe” refers to an injury of any soft tissue structure in the plantar complex, such as the plantar plate or a collateral ligament. In addition, the sesamoids provide stability to the MTP joint by helping to bear weight placed on the forefoot. These two small bones are enveloped in the flexor hallucis tendon, and help it to move more easily. It provides strength and stability to the big toe during push-off motions. This tendon runs under the first metatarsal bone and attaches to the phalanx. Located on each side of the big toe, collateral ligaments connect the phalanx bone to the metatarsal and prevent the toe from going too far side-to-side. This thick, fibrous tissue under the MTP joint prevents the big toe from bending too far (dorsiflexion). Together these structures are referred to as the “plantar complex.” The joint is surrounded by important structures that hold it in place and prevent it from dislocating. The largest of the two is the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP), where the first long bone of the foot (metatarsal) meets the first bone of the toe (phalanx). Sprains of the big toe joint became especially prevalent in American football players after artificial turf became more common on playing fields – hence the term “turf toe.” Artificial turf is a harder surface than grass and does not have much “give” when forces are placed on it.Īlthough often associated with football, turf toe occurs in a wide range of sports and activities. It happens when the toe is forcibly bent up into hyperextension, such as when pushing off into a sprint and having the toe get stuck flat on the ground. The simplest definition of turf toe is that it is a sprain of the main joint of the big toe. Patrick Curry and Steven Faust, MSPT, Discuss Spine Surgery and Physical Therapy Austin Chen and Chelsea Alexander Discuss Hip Arthroscopy and Physical Therapy