Turf toe is a common sports injury that affects the big toe joint. At Shellharbour Health, our experienced physiotherapists regularly treat turf toe and similar conditions with personalised, evidence-based care. Whether you’re a local athlete or just dealing with a painful toe, this guide will help you understand the injury and how physiotherapy in Shellharbour can get you back on your feet.
What Is Turf Toe?
Turf toe is a sprain of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint — the big toe joint — caused by hyperextension. It often occurs when the toe is forcibly bent upwards while the heel is lifted off the ground, such as during sprinting, tackling, or sudden directional changes. It’s named “turf toe” because it commonly occurs on artificial turf surfaces, which increase the load on the forefoot.
Common Symptoms of Turf Toe
- Limping or altered gait mechanics
- Pain and tenderness at the base of the big toe
- Swelling, bruising, and stiffness
- Difficulty pushing off the toe during walking, running, or jumping
- Decreased range of motion
Grades of Turf Toe Injury
Management depends on the severity of ligament damage, which is classified into three grades:
Grade 1 – Mild (Ligament Stretch)
- Minimal pain and swelling
- Toe feels stable
- Return to play: a few days to 1 week
- Treated with rest, taping, and early rehab
Grade 2 – Moderate (Partial Ligament Tear)
- Moderate swelling, bruising, and pain
- Reduced function and toe instability
- Return to play: 2–4 weeks
- Requires immobilisation and structured physiotherapy
Grade 3 – Severe (Complete Tear or Joint Dislocation)
- Significant swelling, bruising, and joint instability
- Weight-bearing very painful or impossible
- May require surgery followed by long-term rehab
- Return to play: 6 weeks to several months
How Physiotherapy at Shellharbour Health Can Help
Understanding the grade of the turf toe is essential to providing appropriate care and avoiding complications. Our team provides individualised treatment for turf toe using a combination of evidence-based techniques. Here’s how we help:
Acute Phase (0–72 Hours)
- RICE protocol: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation
- Diagnose the grade of the injury
- Taping, bracing or immobilization to protect the joint
- Activity modification to reduce aggravation
- Referral to a specialist or podiatrist as required
Sub-Acute Phase
- Manual therapy to reduce stiffness and improve joint mobility
- Targeted exercises to strengthen foot muscles and restore function
- Gait retraining and balance work to avoid re-injury
Return-to-Play Phase
- Sport-specific rehab programs
- Footwear and orthotics advice to prevent future injuries
- Progressive loading plans to ensure safe return to performance
Whether your goal is a weekend jog or elite competition, we’ll get you back doing what you love — safely and confidently.
Get Help from Shellharbour’s Trusted Physiotherapists
If you’re suffering from big toe pain or think you may have turf toe, don’t ignore it. Early diagnosis and tailored physiotherapy treatment can prevent long-term complications like chronic joint instability or hallux rigidus.
At Shellharbour Health, we specialise in sports injury management, foot and ankle physiotherapy, and personalised rehab programs.
Book online today or call us on +61 2 42954698 to speak with one of our expert physiotherapists in Shellharbour.
