What Are the Causes of Pain in the Big Toe?
Turf toe can cause pain in the big toe. According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, or ACFAS, turf toe is a sprain of the ligaments surrounding the big toe joints. The most common cause of turf toe are sports injuries that involve excessive upward bending of the big toe joint. The condition also occurs when the big toe is jammed or when the big toe is unable to tolerate the repetitive forces associated with running or jumping. Turf toe is most commonly seen in athletes participating in football, soccer, basketball, wrestling, gymnastics and dance and is especially common in athletes who play on artificial turf. Common signs and symptoms associated with turf toe include big toe pain, swelling in the affected area and reduced big toe joint active range of motion. The ACFAS notes that turf toe-related symptoms arise slowly and worsen over time.
