An injury to the ligaments between the foot and the toe is known as "turf toe." It can also be called a metatarsophalangeal sprain, named after the bones in the toe. It usually involves the big toe, but any of the toes on the foot can be affected. Symptoms of turf toe include swelling, pain, pain, and limited movement in the joint.
The main cause of turf toe is hyperextension of the big toe joint, which usually occurs as a result of sudden movement. However, the joint between the toe and the foot can also be strained over time due to repetitive motions like pushing off of the ground using the toes can cause turf toe. There is debate over whether hard surfaces such as artificial turf make athletes more susceptible to turf toe.