Because artificial turf is a high friction surface that allows athletes to move quicker, the risk of foot and ankle injuries is higher. The most common injury related to artificial turf is turf toe.
This is when you jam your big toe and the torque force impacts the whole big toe joint.
Ankle sprains are common on artificial turf fields. They commonly occur when you decelerate quickly, and too much force is placed on the surrounding ligaments.
Watch out for bruising and an inability to bear weight.
You can mitigate these risks with proper footwear. You can find athletic shoes that are designed specifically for turf use.
Traditional cleats can get caught in the turf and cause injuries. Turf cleats utilize shorter, rubber studs that are designed to grip the surface of the turf.
Look for shoes that will provide proper support for your feet.