New Study Uncovers Risks of Early Returns After Ankle Injuries

A groundbreaking study involving Bundesliga football teams has unveiled alarming insights about the relationship between ankle injury recurrences and the rush to return to play. Extensive research, published in BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, investigated elite athletes from 13 professional clubs, revealing the dangerous impact of external pressures on recovery.

Ankle Sprains: The Hidden Epidemic in Football

Lateral ankle sprains (LAS) are the bane of professional footballers, with the study examining injury data that indicated these sprains are among the most frequently suffered injuries in the sport. On average, affected players spent 29.9 days away from competitive play, while those under 23 faced an alarming average of 33.8 days off. Interestingly, professionals had the shortest recovery, averaging just 15.5 days.

The Cost of Speedy Recovery: Increased Recurrence Rates

Lead author Zacharias Flore, a Ph.D. student, expressed concern that a mere 15-day recovery might be grossly insufficient for adequate healing. The study reported a significant 23.52% overall recurrence rate for ankle injuries, with LAS rates climbing to 25.95%. The highest recurrence rates were recorded in under-19 players (32.8%) and professionals (20%). This trend shows that a hurried return to the pitch dramatically escalates the risk of future injuries.

A Call to Coaches: Reassessing Recovery Protocols

These findings offer a compelling argument for coaches and clubs: players are returning to competition too soon. Flore advocates that extending rehabilitation by just four additional days could significantly cut LAS recurrences.

The Future of Ankle Injury Rehabilitation in Football

This pivotal study acts as a stepping stone toward a more extensive multicenter research initiative aimed at evaluating a new, criteria-based rehabilitation approach for LAS in professional football. Flore, who combines his Ph.D. pursuits with a robust background as a physiotherapist for Bundesliga clubs, emphasized the valuable findings that will pave the way for more effective rehabilitation strategies.

As the world of football continues to evolve, this research not only promises to enhance player health but also calls for a cultural shift in the sport regarding injury management and recovery practices.