$Unique_ID{BRK01499}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{The Implications of "Turf Toe"}
$Subject{football artificial turf toe ligaments musculoskeletal system
connective tissue sprained injury hyperextension joint capsule toes ligament
tissues sprain injured hyperextend joints foot feet capsules}
$Volume{M-18}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


The Implications of "Turf Toe"


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QUESTION:  My son sprained his toe during football practice, and his coach
made us visit the team doctor.  We were then sent to the orthopedic surgeon
who called the condition "Turf Toe" and pulled my son out of competition right
at the height of the season.  Isn't this a bit too conservative?  My son is a
fine athlete with a real future if they only will let him play.

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ANSWER:  You obviously don't understand the implications of "turf toe," or you
would be praising your physicians instead of feeling that they are too
conservative.  Turf Toe is an injury of hyperextension of the toe, meaning it
has been pulled back beyond the normal limits of the joint.  It is not a
simple sprain, but an injury that can damage the ligaments and capsule
(fibrous tissue that surrounds joint).  When not treated properly, permanent
stiffness and early arthritis can result.  When artificial turf first became
popular, athletes changed their shoes for highly flexible models that afforded
more traction, but did not provide sufficient support for the joints in the
toes.  We now know that shoes must provide adequate protection if this injury
is to be avoided.  Stick with your doctors on this one.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.