A sprain or ligament tear of the main joint in the big toe, also called turf toe.

Metatarsophalangeal joint sprain is a common football injury. But it can happen during other sports activities. It often happens during play on human-made surfaces. The injury can range from stretching of the soft tissue to tearing partway or all the way.

Symptoms include sudden pain and swelling in the big toe. It might be hard to move the toe.

The main treatment is resting the foot, applying ice, buddy taping the injured toe to the one next to it and physical therapy. Resting might involve using crutches or wearing a shoe with a firm sole. Pain medicines available without a prescription can help. More-serious sprains might need surgery.