People who participate in sports are likely to have heard of the term turf toe. This condition refers to the sprain of the ligaments surrounding the big toe joint. Basketball players are also used to hearing the name. That’s because physical activity is the most likely culprit of turf toe. When running or jumping, the toe gets pushed forcefully, which may lead to injury over time. In most cases, turf toe can be easily treated at home, while in more serious cases medical attention may be necessary.

Popping Sound

There are a wide variety of symptoms that are often used to describe turf toe. Some of them affect the toe directly, while others relate to the area around the toe or even other parts of the body. One of the more unusual symptoms you may notice is a popping sound of the joint. Usually, this can be traced to the toe. Your doctor will be able to diagnose your condition by examining the nature of the injury. They may also perform an x-ray scan to check for related damage. If the joint become injured, it may cause a popping sound to occur when it is moved in a certain way.

Swelling

After an injury to the foot, blood rushes to the affected area in an attempt to prevent infection, among other things. This is our body’s natural reaction to an injury, especially if it there is an opening on the skin. Sometimes, the damage can be severe, and swelling can be felt right from the start, while in other cases it is likely to be more moderate. In any case, applying an ice pack to the affected area can bring down swelling. Likewise, you may use some over-the-counter drugs to help to heal.

Limited Joint Movement

A common symptom that affects turf toe patients is joint problems. In such cases, the joints may have limited mobility, making them harder to move. This can have consequences for movement of the foot and potentially the leg. If the bones become very injured, you doctor may prescribe more intensive treatment forms. Luckily, in most cases, home treatment involving ice, rest, and pain medication is enough to cure the condition. If you practice sports in a field with artificial surfaces, you are more likely to experience this condition.

Pain

Turf toe occurs when the ligaments of the toe joint become injured. This can happen for several reasons, but excessive stress most likely causes it. One of the first signs you’ll notice when you injury your big toe is a pain, which can vary according to the severity of the injury. In some cases, pain may be so severe that movement becomes impossible for a short period of time. However, resting the foot can easily treat pain. The pea-shaped bones in the tendon located behind the big toe allow us to move around. That’s why you should always take the necessary precautions to protect the area.

Reduction of Strength

If you injure your toe, you may suffer from turf toe. To know if you have this condition, examine the power of the toe muscles. Are you able to move your toe as normal? Or does it feel weak and immobile? If you have persistent weakness in the toe, you should contact your doctor. Moreover, if you notice any visible deformity or any loss of sensation, contact your doctor as soon as possible. Besides a reduction of strength, you may notice other symptoms, such as swelling and pain, which are likely to accompany this condition.

Pain Around the Ball of the Foot

Pain is often an indication that something is wrong with our body, and if you suffer from turf toe, you may feel pain in different parts of the foot. One of the most likely areas of the foot where you might notice pain is the ball of the foot. When the toe becomes injured, the pain can easily radiate to other parts, especially if the injury is severe. You might observe other related symptoms, such as a lack of mobility. If you suffer from severe pain, you should contact your doctor to ensure that the integrity of the toe remains intact.

Sudden Pain

Because most injuries to the toe happen suddenly, pain is likely to appear immediately. This can cause sudden and severe pain to occur, which may need specialized treatment. If you hurt your toe, apply an ice pack directly on the affected area to help control pain. This will also reduce excessive swelling, and may help to aid recovery. Another important thing to remember is that rest is helpful in treating a turf toe. Don’t expect to be able to go on a jog right after injuring your toe. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication to help with recovery.

Pain That Gets Worse With Movement

In most cases, people who develop turf toe do so suddenly, meaning that the onset of the condition occurs within a limited time frame. The injury usually occurs during sports practice, but it may take place during other physical activities. One of the first signs you’ll notice is a pain in the foot that is likely to get worse with movement. This may cause you to walk with one foot, and in some cases, it may leave you without being able to walk for a short period of time. To treat a turf toe, rest and home treatment are helpful.

Difficulty Walking

One prominent symptom of turf toe is difficulty walking. This is due to the damage inflicted upon the big toe and the surrounding structure. Depending on the severity of the injury, you may find it impossible to move the toe. Walking short distances is possible if done slowly, but you should always make sure not to apply too much stress on the area. If you practice certain sports that involve the movement of the feet such as karate or related martial arts, you are more prone to suffering from a turf toe. That’s why it is important to take necessary precautions to reduce your risk.

Difficulty Maintaining Balance

It is often stated that the toes are key in maintaining our balance and allowing us to stand up straight. This is especially true for the big toe, which is essential for walking movement in general. If the big toe becomes injured or compromised, you may find it difficult to walk straight, and you may find yourself grabbing onto things to keep balance. If you suffer from turf toe, you should try to avoid excessive walking; this is to ensure the adequate healing of the affected toe. Applying pressure on the affected area may slow healing.