Many patients have struggled with turf toe, perhaps not even knowing what it is or how they can remedy it. For those that suffer from this type of pain, it can be omnipresent and extremely annoying, as it affects not just athletes, but anyone who walks or runs. But what exactly is turf toe? And how can chiropractic care for turf toes improve the pain and discomfort that comes from this type of injury? This blog post will provide more detailed information in order to help patients understand if they may be suffering from turf toe, and how to potentially treat this condition with chiropractic care. At Horst Chiropractic in Temecula, Dr. Nathen Horst offer various chiropractic treatments for turf toe.

What Is Turf Toe?

In short, turf toe is the common term for a sprain of the big toe. This is a relatively common injury, especially in athletes, which occurs when the toe is hyperextended, spraining the bottom capsule, and can be extremely painful for any athlete. It is often called turf toe, because it is surprisingly pervasive in sports like football and soccer, especially in rougher leagues or games, where an impact to the foot could easily force the big toe into hyperextension. Field hockey, lacrosse, football, and soccer players all have a higher rate of encountering turf toe, but just about anyone can be injured in this manner. That’s why patients experiencing toe pain should quickly consult a chiropractor in order to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Symptoms of Turf Toe

Most patients experiencing turf toe report pain, swelling, and soreness in the area, to different degrees, depending on how bad the sprain actually was. For those with turf toe, any type of extension will likely hurt. If a patient is walking, they will probably feel a spark of pain when pushing off of the big toe. Bending over, stretching, and any other activity that puts weight on the big toe will also create pain if a person has an injury to this area.

How Is Turf Toe Treated by Chiropractors?

While ice and rest can sometimes be enough to recover from a hyperextension injury, turf toe is unique in that it affects a part of the body that cannot easily be rested. In order to walk, most people will need to push off of the big toe at some point during the step. This often means that chiropractic care is a better option, as it will speed up the healing process and get the patient back on his or her feet faster. A chiropractor will work with the patient to help mitigate inflammation and pain. Depending on the severity of the injury, the chiropractor may also recommend shoe inserts that can reduce pressure on the toe.

Patients interested in learning more about chiropractic care for turf toe should feel free to contact Horst Chiropractic today. A member of our staff is available to schedule your appointment. During your appointment, Dr. Horst can determine the source of your pain and perform the appropriate treatments.