The bone spurs are removed, and the area is cleaned out. After the surgery, the foot is immobilized in a cast. Turf toe can be prevented by not playing on artificial turf or, more practically, by wearing stiff-soled shoes. This will limit the bending and jamming of the big toe. With stiffer soles, the toe will not bend back as easily.
Cleated shoes tend to have stiffer soles that are usually made of plastic.
The recovery period differs from patient to patient. If an athlete considers it only a nagging pain, he may play through it each week. Otherwise, he may miss a game or two, resting the toe and recovering. When players have surgery, recovery time is obviously increased. After the initial injury, there is an increased risk of an athlete reinjuring the toe.