Washington Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin is having an MRI today to determine whether he has "turf toe" as a result of an injury he suffered in last night's pre-season game.
The injury is fairly common among football players and other athletes whose movements have them pushing off against a hard surface, including soccer, basketball, wrestling, gymnastics, and dance.
The simplest definition of turf toe is that it is a sprain of the main joint of the big toe — the metatarsophalangeal joint. It's the joint where the first long bone of the foot (metatarsal) meets the first bone of the toe (phalanx).
"The injury happens when the toe is forcibly bent up into hyperextension, such as when pushing off into a sprint and having the toe get stuck flat on the ground," explains this AAOS article.
Depending on the severity of the sprain, it may be treated with RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) and over-the-counter anti-inflammatories or it may need to be immobilized for a period of several days or even weeks.
If you've experienced such an injury, give us a call or use our online appointment request to schedule a visit with one of our podiatrists, Dr. Chris Calcagni or Dr. Michael Petrocelli.
Photo credit: Brad Miller - USAToday
