McFadden has learned turf toe is not to be taken lightly

Turf toe, a relatively common sports injury, is the spraining or tearing of the ligaments and tendons at the base of the big toe. It typically afflicts athletes who play on hard surfaces such as a soccer or football field, usually artificial turf. The injury results from the toe sinking into the turf while the foot is planted, and then extending up too far when the player pushes off or jumps.Such an injury can lead to instability and even dislocation of the joint, as well as accelerated cartilage wear and arthritis in the affected area. (Mercury News, click here.)