Mahomes Likely to Have Turf Toe Surgery in Off-Season

At Goldsmith Podiatry, we know if you were watching the Super Bowl, you’re probably thinking that Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is looking forward to putting this season behind him. But it’s not just because his team lost in the Super Bowl to Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Mahomes has been battling a severe turf toe injury, which he will finally be able to fully rehabilitate in the offseason. 

What is Turf Toe?

Turf toe is essentially a sprain of the big toe's ligaments.  These ligaments are meant to stretch as you bend and use your big toe. However, if they get overstretched, a turf toe injury occurs. It's similar to what happens when you sprain your ankle. Turf toe can affect professional and weekend athletes alike. Running, jumping, pushing off—these types of motions, when performed repetitively, can all lead to turf toe. That's why, in addition to football, it is common to see turf toe in athletes who play soccer and basketball and in patients who participate in dance, gymnastics, and wrestling. For Mahomes, all the pushing off and quick pivots on the balls of his feet put additional strain on an already injured toe.

Turf toe can also happen after a sudden acute injury, such as jamming your toe. Or symptoms may appear gradually and worsen steadily over time if the repetitive strain is the culprit. Unlike Mahomes, our Manhattan patients do not need to keep playing on a painful toe. In fact, if you experience pain, swelling, or difficulty bending your big toe, it's best to make an appointment at our Upper West Side NYC office at (212) 877-1002. Our podiatrists, Dr. Howard Goldsmith and Dr. Rosanna Troia will physically examine your toe and most likely order an x-ray to ensure there is no fracture. Other imaging studies may also prove helpful in diagnosing turf toe.

Treatment Options

Typically turf toe requires rest from activities that put a strain on the toe. Ice, compression, and elevation will also be recommended during the rest time to decrease swelling, pain, and inflammation. Surgery is usually only for the most severe cases.

If you suspect you may have turf toe, contact us today.