Turf toe has sidelined Brock Purdy and Joe Burrow, affecting legends like Patrick Mahomes and Deion Sanders. But what exactly is it — and why does it matter so much?
In this episode, Will Sanchez and Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Grant Garcia break down:
The anatomy and mechanics of turf toe
Why is this injury devastating for quarterbacks
Differences in severity (2–5 weeks vs season-ending surgery)
Modern treatments: taping, custom orthotics, internal bracing, biologics
Lessons from past stars like Deion Sanders and Serena Williams
Get the full medical perspective on an injury that can define seasons and careers.
Special thanks to The Recovery Shop for sponsoring this episode.
Check us out at sportsdoctalk.com for transcripts, guests' requests, and much more.
00:00 – Intro & NFL injuries this season
02:00 – Shoutout to The Recovery Shop
03:10 – What is turf toe, anatomically?
05:45 – Why it kills explosiveness in athletes
08:15 – Brock Purdy vs. Joe Burrow: different severity, different outcomes
12:00 – Risks of playing too soon & custom braces
14:00 – Why it’s called “turf toe” & the need for rebranding
15:30 – Deion Sanders then vs. modern treatments now
17:00 – Internal bracing revolution in sports medicine
20:00 – Cartilage damage, sesamoid fractures & long-term risks
22:00 – Can cleats, training, or AI help prevent turf toe?
24:00 – The future: prophylactic bracing & biologics
25:00 – Closing thoughts & visit sportsdoctalk.com
#NFL #SportsPodcast #BrockPurdy #TurfToe #SportsMedicine #AthleteRecovery #SportsDocTalk #JoeBurrow #DeionSanders #FootballTalk
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