DEAR DR. GOTT: What is turf toe? Does this happen just to athletes or can anyone get it? How is it treated? One of the football players from the Indianapolis Colts had this condition, and I am curious as to just what it is. Thank you for the information.

DEAR READER: Simply put, turf toe is the overextension of the big toe. When this occurs, there is pain at the bottom of the toe and damage to the ligaments in the area that connects the big toe to the foot. The purpose of ligaments in this area is to prevent excessive movement and allow proper range of joint motion. There are essentially three types of injury, ranging from mild to severe. The first involves stretching of the ligaments and joint; the second involves a partial tear; and the third and most severe is a complete tear.In the past, the condition was rather uncommon; however, with the use of artificial turf becoming so popular on football, soccer and rugby fields, the incidence of injury has increased. Runners also subject their toes to similar issues when they lean forward and push off from a starting line at the beginning of a race. When a shoe sticks to the fake grass, the body lunges forward, a foot jams to the front of a cleated shoe, and the toe can extend beyond its normal range. One incident can cause turf toe, but numerous injuries multiply the probability of damage.Symptoms include localized pain, swelling and restricted movement. Mild conditions may produce minimal damage to the toe. More severe cases will result in damage of the area of bone beneath the surface of the joint, to the cartilage or to both. These are the injuries that can be observed on X-ray.Treatment involves the use of ice, tape or bandage to restrict movement, and pain relief through NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Contrast baths of cold then hot water can be successful when used during early stages of the injury. With treatment, the injury commonly heals in three to four weeks.————————DEAR DR. GOTT: I am 60 years old. I have noticed an increasingly foul body odor. Truly, it is embarrassing. My skin seems to have an almost rotting, sewer-like odor. This is not vaginal but a distressing internal and external odor. I smell like something is rotting inside me. Can you offer any ideas about this?

DEAR READER: Body odor and sweat stem primarily from our body’s sweat glands. The body has up to 4 million sweat glands, broken into two types — eccrine and apocrine. Eccrine glands open onto the surface of the skin. When body temperature rises, our autonomic nervous system stimulates eccrine glands located over most of the body. They secrete fluid onto the surface of the skin, where it cools and evaporates. Eccrine glands regulate our body temperature.Apocrine glands are located in the groin, scalp, armpits, breasts and other locations of the body. They secrete a fatty sweat that is forced to the skin’s surface, where bacteria break it down. It is often this breakdown of bacteria that causes odor.Beyond this, medical conditions such as diabetes, liver or kidney disease, hyperhidrosis, hyperthyroidism and low blood sugar can be to blame. It may help to keep a journal of activities, foods and periods of stress to share with your doctor. Perhaps relaxation techniques, weight loss if appropriate, diet change, daily use of antibacterial soap, underarm shaving, deodorants or antiperspirants, and meticulous attention to hygiene might help. Avoid garlic, curry and other spicy foods that make sweat more pungent. Remove your shoes and your socks when at home. If you have calluses or patches of dry skin on your feet, remove them with a pumice stone. Bacteria thrive on dead skin. Change your socks daily. Add alcohol or white vinegar to a cup of water to rinse your underarms when you bathe. If you bathe instead of shower, add a few drops of rose water to the tub. Apply baking soda to your underarms and feet. If you use over-the-counter herbs or prescription medication, ask your physician if they are contributing to the odor.———————

Dr. Peter H. Gott is a retired physician and the author of several books, including “Live Longer, Live Better,” “Dr. Gott’s No Flour, No Sugar Diet” and “Dr. Gott’s No Flour, No Sugar Cookbook,” which are available at most bookstores or online. His website is www.AskDrGottMD.com.