New York Giants Line Backer, Keith Bulluck, suffered a turf toe injury in week 3 of the 2010 season against the Tennessee Titans. So what is turf toe? Read on… Bulluck at a Giants practice. New York Giants Line Backer, Keith Bulluck, suffered a turf toe injury in week 3 of the 2010 season against the Tennessee Titans.  Bulluck has missed the last two games, week 4 against the Bears and week 5 against the Texans.  He has been having improvement in his symptoms and has been participating in practices.  Bulluck may return back to play soon. Turf toe got it’s name due to the fact that it occurs frequently in people who play games on artificial surfaces.  Turf toe is caused by hyperextension of the great toe (big toe) MTP joint.  The foot is usually dorsiflexed (upward movement of the foot at the ankle joint) with the front part of the foot fixed on the ground and heel raised.  The surrounding capsule and ligaments which are structures that support the joint get sprained or torn.   Grade 1 sprain is stretching of the capsule and ligamentous complex.  There is usually localized pain and minimal swelling.  The athlete can continue participating in their sport.  Grade 2 sprain is a partial tear of the capsuloligamentous complex with more diffuse and intense tenderness.  There will be mild to moderate swelling and ecchymosis.  The athlete can have a loss of playing time for 3-14 days, walking boot and crutches as needed.  Grade III sprain is a complete tear of the capsuloligamentous complex.  There is severe and diffuse tenderness, moderate to severe swelling, and moderate to severe ecchymosis.  The athlete may need long-term immobilization in boot or cast versus surgical repair.   So watch out NFL because when my team is 100 percent we are a force to be reckoned with!  I think I see another Vince Lombardi Trophy.