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Turf Toe

By Laura Inverarity, D.O., About.com

Updated: January 19, 2005

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Kate Grossman, MD

Definition: Turf toe is a sprain at the base of the great toe. It occurs when the big toe extends beyond its normal range of motion. This causes a tear of the ligaments which support it. This injury often occurs in soccer and football players when playing on artificial turf, thus the name turf toe.
Symptoms: Symptoms of turf toe include:
Pain and tenderness of the big toe
Swelling and bruising at the ball of the foot and the big toe
Inability to bear weight on the injured foot
Decreased range of motion of the great toe
Inability to push off on the big toe
Treatment:
RICE-
Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation
Medication-
Anti-inflammatory medicine: Advil, Aleve
Tylenol
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