Pain at base of Big toe

[hockey4life]

i keep getting a pain at the joint where my big toe joins my foot but only when i am playing (field) hockey or at my dance classes and then hurt a little after exercise but soon goes away. I've looked on this website and it sounds like turf toe but i dont get any swelling and it doesnt hurt to touch. does anyone know actually what it is??

[Heidi]

Hi,

Turf toe is a possibility although you can usually recall an incident when it started hurting, as it is a ligament sprain.

http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/front/foot/turftoe.htm

Other options include a tendonitis injury, of the tendon which runs underneath the big toe and allows you to curl your toes up.

If this is the case It could be caused by either the hockey or the dancing, but I would imagie dancing would put more stress on that area. What kind of dancing do you do?

Check out this page for a bit more info:

http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/front/foot/flexortendons.htm

You need to rest it and apply ice after any type of use (even walking). Once it become pain-free, after a couple of weeks rest, start practising curling your toes up and pressing the big toe down against resistance to help strengthen the muscle and tendon. After another week or two of this with no pain, return back to hockey first, check this is pain-free (start slowly, maybe just training or as a sub). If this is ok after a couple of sessions, try a gentle dance session.

If this doesn't work, all I can suggest is visit a foot specialist physio or similar. You may need insoles or other treatment.

Good luck!