When Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow went down during a Week 2 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars in September 2025, fans across the NFL held their breath. In the second quarter, Burrow was sacked and immediately grabbed at his left foot. He limped off the field, later seen on crutches with a walking boot. By the following day, reports confirmed what many feared: Burrow had suffered a severe turf toe injury that would require surgery and months of recovery.

For Bengals fans, the news was devastating. For those of us in podiatry, it was a reminder of how important the big toe joint is not only for elite athletes but also for everyday people. At The LV Foot Surgeons in Fresh Meadows, Queens, we often treat turf toe and similar injuries that can affect mobility, balance, and quality of life.

This incident raises an important question: What is turf toe, and why does it matter so much?

What Exactly Happened to Joe Burrow?

Burrow’s injury occurred when his left big toe was hyperextended during a sack. The foot was planted while the rest of his body was forced forward, causing the big toe joint to bend beyond its natural range of motion. This sudden movement placed enormous stress on the ligaments and soft tissues surrounding the joint.

Doctors later confirmed that Burrow suffered a Grade 3 turf toe injury, the most severe form. In these cases, the supporting ligaments are completely torn, making the joint unstable and extremely painful. Surgery was recommended to repair the damage, with recovery expected to last at least three months—a significant setback for one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks. Dr. David Chao gives a complete medical breakdown of Burrow’s injury in the video below:

But turf toe isn’t just an “athlete’s injury.” It can affect anyone, from high school athletes to weekend runners, to people who spend long hours on their feet.

What Is Turf Toe?

Turf toe is the common name for a sprain of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, the joint where the big toe connects to the foot. It typically happens when the toe is forcibly bent upward (hyperextended), overstretching or tearing the ligaments and soft tissues that stabilize the joint.

The injury is nicknamed “turf toe” because it was first noticed in athletes playing on artificial turf. Turf provides less “give” than natural grass, and flexible shoes worn on turf often lack the stiff support needed to protect the big toe joint. But in reality, turf toe can happen on many surfaces and in many settings.

Symptoms of a Turf Toe Injury

Depending on the severity of the injury, symptoms may include:

Pain and tenderness at the base of the big toe
Swelling and bruising around the joint
Stiffness and limited range of motion in the toe
Difficulty pushing off the foot when walking or running
In severe cases, instability and inability to bear weight

For Joe Burrow, the turf toe injury was immediately debilitating—he could not continue playing and required medical imaging that confirmed ligament damage.

The Severity Scale: Grades of Turf Toe

Doctors classify turf toe into three grades:

Grade 1 (Mild): Stretched ligaments with mild pain and swelling. Usually manageable with rest and supportive footwear.
Grade 2 (Moderate): Partial ligament tearing, causing significant pain, bruising, and difficulty walking. May require immobilization.
Grade 3 (Severe): Complete ligament rupture, joint instability, and often the need for surgery. This is what Joe Burrow experienced.

Why a Turf Toe Injury Is Serious for Athletes—and Everyone Else

For a professional quarterback, the big toe plays a crucial role in:

Balance and stability during dropbacks and pivots
Power and push-off when planting to throw
Mobility in escaping pressure and changing direction

Even a mild injury can impact performance. But beyond the NFL, turf toe can cause chronic pain, arthritis, and long-term instability if not treated properly. Runners, dancers, soccer players, and even people who wear unsupportive shoes are at risk.

Treatment Options for Turf Toe

The treatment path depends on the grade of the injury:

Grade 1 (Mild): Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). Taping the toe or wearing a stiff-soled shoe may be enough.
Grade 2 (Moderate): A walking boot or brace may be necessary to immobilize the toe and allow healing. Physical therapy helps restore strength and mobility.
Grade 3 (Severe): Surgery to repair torn ligaments is often required. Recovery may take several months and involves rehabilitation to restore function.

In Burrow’s case, surgery is essential to stabilize the joint and protect his long-term mobility. For non-athletes, early treatment can often prevent turf toe from progressing to the point where surgery becomes necessary.

Preventing Turf Toe

While not every turf toe injury can be avoided, there are practical steps to reduce your risk:

Wear supportive footwear with stiff soles or turf plates if you’re active.
Warm up and stretch before sports or exercise.
Avoid unstable or overly hard playing surfaces when possible.
Strengthen the foot and toe muscles through conditioning exercises.
Address pain early. Don’t ignore persistent soreness in your big toe joint.

When to See a Podiatrist

If you experience pain, swelling, or stiffness in your big toe—especially after sports or physical activity—it’s important to see a podiatrist. Early evaluation can determine whether the injury is mild and manageable or something more serious that requires intervention.

At The LV Foot Surgeons, we use advanced diagnostic tools to identify turf toe and other injuries. Our treatment plans are customized to each patient, whether you’re an athlete trying to get back in the game or someone simply looking to walk without pain.

Expert Turf Toe Care in Queens, NY

Joe Burrow’s injury has brought national attention to turf toe, but you don’t need to be an NFL quarterback to feel its effects. Left untreated, this common injury can cause long-term problems that impact mobility and quality of life.

At The LV Foot Surgeons in Fresh Meadows, Queens, our board-certified podiatrists specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of turf toe and other foot and ankle conditions. From conservative treatments to surgical care, we provide comprehensive solutions to get you back on your feet safely.

Don’t Ignore Toe Pain

If you’re struggling with pain or stiffness in your big toe, schedule a consultation today. Early treatment can make all the difference in preventing long-term damage.📞 Call us or book your appointment online to get expert care from trusted podiatrists in Queens.