What Is Turf Toe?
Although there are several versions of what a turf toe is, it can be classically defined as a hyperdorsiflexion injury occurring at the first metatarsophalangeal joint. In simpler terms, this means the big toe has been abnormally and excessively bent backward due to an injury. Since the 1980s, there is more attention on turf toe due to its effect on professional or college-level athletes.
Since it is especially prevalent among American football players only after artificial turf became more common, the injury became known as “turf toe.” It is believed that the injury is more common when playing on artificial turf as it is harder compared to grass and does not “give” as much when forces are applied. Artificial turf also has less traction. Although turf toe is most commonly associated with football, it can also be seen in a wide range of activities and sports.
