DEAR DR. GOTT: What is turf toe? Does this happen just to athletes or can anyone get it? How is it treated? One of the football players from the Indianapolis Colts had this condition, and I am curious as to just what it is. Thank you for the information.

DEAR READER: Simply put, turf toe is the overextension of the big toe. When this occurs, there is pain at the bottom of the toe and damage to the ligaments in the area that connects the big toe to the foot. The purpose of ligaments in this area is to prevent excessive movement and allow proper range of joint motion. There are essentially three types of injury, ranging from mild to severe. The first involves stretching of the ligaments and joint; the second involves a partial tear; and the third and most severe is a complete tear.
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