Taking the Right Steps to Treat Turf Toe

Turf toe is an injury usually associated with athletes who play on artificial surfaces, either indoors or outdoors. But athletes are not the only ones affected by this condition. This painful sprain caused by repetitive or excessive bending of the big toe joint has been connected with footwear that doesn’t offer enough support. Dancers are also at risk of suffering this common injury, which is likely to return if not addressed properly.

The doctors of podiatric medicine at Kirkland Office have had extensive experience diagnosing and successfully treating turf toe for patients of many ages and activity levels. We urge anyone suffering from pain and swelling of the big toe to have a prompt examination and x-rays to rule out a broken bone underneath the cartilage of the foot. The care provided by our specialists will decrease your pain and swelling, increase mobility of the toe joint, and develop a plan to prevent the injury from reoccurring. 

When this injury is caused by repetitive stress, symptoms can begin slowly and become more severe over time. When the condition occurs due to an injury when the foot sticks to a hard surface and the big toe gets abruptly jammed, symptoms can appear immediately and worsen over the course of the next day. Depending on the severity of the injury, conservative treatment and a change in footwear can be beneficial. In the most serious cases, our foot and ankle surgeons may recommend an operative procedure.

The big toe plays a critical role in maintaining balance, bearing our weight, and walking and running properly. Don’t let an injury like turf toe cause you pain and slow you down. The doctors of podiatric medicine at Kirkland Office can get you back on your feet — comfortably and confidently. Don’t hesitate to contact our office today to schedule an appointment.