October 23, 2025
What Is Turf Toe? Causes, Symptoms & Treatment in Jacksonville
At Southeast Orthopedic Specialists, turf toe is one of the most common foot injuries treated in both athletes and non-athletes. Turf toe happens when the big toe bends too far upward, stretching or tearing the soft tissues around its base at the metatarsophalangeal joint. The nickname “turf toe” began when the injury was first noticed on artificial turf fields, but our Jacksonville and Florida area patients develop it from a variety of sports, or even simple outdoor activities.
Why Does Turf Toe Happen?
Our experts at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists see turf toe most often in people who play soccer, football, basketball, or dance and gymnastics, but it can affect anyone. Artificial turf, which is common across many Florida sports fields, raises the risk due to its higher surface tension, particularly when paired with flexible athletic footwear. Quick sprints, abrupt stops, or a misstep at the pool or beach can all trigger this toe injury.
Recognizing Turf Toe Symptoms
If you suspect turf toe, look for these signs:
- Pain at the base of the big toe (sudden or increasing in intensity)
- Swelling or bruising
- Less movement or stiffness in your toe joint
- Tenderness while walking or running
- Trouble pushing off, jumping, or sprinting
Ignoring symptoms can lead to chronic pain or arthritis, so our team encourages early evaluation if pain or swelling lingers more than a few days.
How We Diagnose Turf Toe
Southeast Orthopedic Specialists uses a thorough physical exam and, when needed, advanced imaging techniques (X-rays, MRI) to accurately diagnose turf toe and rule out other injuries. Prompt diagnosis is key to the best outcome.
Your Turf Toe Treatment Plan
The vast majority of turf toe injuries can be treated by our expert team without surgery:
- Rest and skipping high-impact activities are recommended first
- Ice therapy and elevation help bring down swelling
- Specialized taping, bracing, or stiff-soled shoes limit harmful motion
- Over-the-counter medication (like ibuprofen) reduces inflammation
- Our in-house physical therapy program supports flexibility and joint recovery
If the injury is severe, a walking boot, cast, or surgical repair may be considered, but less than 2% of turf toe injuries at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists require surgery.
Southeast Orthopedic Specialists Difference
Our board-certified, fellowship-trained foot and ankle specialists provide tailored care, from conservative treatments to minimally invasive surgical options, if ever needed. Our physical therapists build custom rehab plans for a safe, strong return to sports, work, and recreation.
- Up to 45% of NFL players have had turf toe, 83% occurring on artificial turf.
- In college sports, turf toe constitutes over 11% of all foot injuries.
- With our approach, less than 2% of turf toe cases need surgery; most recover fully with non-surgical treatment.
Preventing Turf Toe
Our specialists recommend:
- Choosing supportive, stiff-soled shoes- especially on turf
- Taping your big toe if you’ve had an injury before
- Warming up thoroughly before any activity
- Paying attention to pain signals and not “walking it off”
Ready to Help Northeast Florida Stay Active
If you suspect turf toe or any foot or ankle trouble, Southeast Orthopedic Specialists makes it easy to schedule an appointment at one of our convenient Northeast Florida locations. Our advanced imaging, on-site physical therapy, and collaborative approach ensure a smooth, full recovery. Get back to your favorite Florida activities, pain free, our team is standing by to help.
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