How long does an ankle injury take to heal? Recovery times and possible return dates explained

Ankle injuries are among the most common problems footballers face at all levels of the sport, with severity ranging from minor niggles to potentially career-threatening setbacks.

Whether it is a simple twist in training or the result of a high-impact challenge during a match, ankle damage can leave players, coaches and fans wondering how long recovery will take.

The demands of football place immense strain on the ankles, with actions such as sprinting, jumping, changes of direction, sliding tackles and even routine collisions all increasing the risk of injury.

Most players will experience an ankle strain or sprain at some point in their careers. When it happens, the recovery process plays a vital role in avoiding repeat injuries or long-term complications.

In this article, Sports Mole takes a closer look at the different types of ankle injuries, the factors that influence recovery time and what players can expect when faced with this problem.

What is an ankle injury?

An ankle injury generally concerns any damage caused to the structures around the ankle joint, which may prevent or make it uncomfortable for a footballer to run, jump, turn or take part in normal physical actions.

The injury tends to occur when one of the bones, ligaments, tendons or muscles – which work together to provide movement – are torn, damaged or overstretched.

Ankle injuries which occur in football are commonly caused by damage to ligaments, which are the bands of tissue that connect bones.

When these ligaments are stretched or torn – usually when a player engages in a sudden change of direction or even endures an awkward landing – a sprain can develop.

Tackles or serious physical impact can also lead to more significant damage, including the breaking of bones or tendon damage.

The ankle is a vulnerable part of the body in football, making it one of the most common injuries.

How long does an ankle injury take to heal?

Recovery time for an ankle injury primarily depends on the severity, with the majority of such injuries falling into one of three grades.

Grade 1 – One to two weeks

First-grade ankle injuries are the mildest and generally consist of a slight stretch or tear to the ligaments.

At this stage of an ankle injury, players can suffer swelling, stiffness and some level of discomfort, though most will be fine walking.

With the right amount of rest, the use of ice, compression and elevation, a player can typically return to training within one or two weeks.

Grade 2 – Three to six weeks

A partial ligament tear in the second grade can be a more serious issue, often caused by awkward landings or a sudden change of direction.

A tear of such kind can leave an individual with a high level of discomfort, especially when trying to shift weight on the damaged ankle.

Recovery time for a second-grade ankle injury typically ranges from three to six weeks, with individuals often requiring rehabilitation to help restore strength, balance and mobility.

Grade 3 – Two to three months

The most severe ankle injuries consist of a complete tear or even a rupture of one or more ligaments.

Heavy tackles, collisions, dangerous challenges and even bad landings can lead to an ankle injury of the highest severity.

Normal recovery time from a grade three ankle injury is two to three months, though that time period could be greatly increased if an individual requires surgery.

A carefully monitored rehabilitation program is normally needed in order for a player to make a gradual recovery. However, further expertise may be needed if the ankle injury also comes with any other damage to the bones or tendons.

What are the risks of returning early from an ankle injury?

Returning to action without fully recovering from an ankle injury comes with a huge risk and can lead to further complications – sometimes worse than the original problem.

Re-injury is often more severe than the original problem, due to the fact that a partially healed ankle is weak and prone to rolling or twisting under pressure.

With that in mind, it is crucial to correctly diagnose the original injury and take the appropriate steps in resolving the issue.

A mild sprain may only require a short amount of rest, but if the injury is misjudged, an individual could risk more serious ligament damage or even fractures by returning to action too soon.

Professionals will often need plenty of rest and careful rehab before getting medical clearance – a process that cannot be ignored if a player is looking to complete a full recovery and avoid further complications.

There are other factors that also need to be taken into consideration when it comes to recovery, for instance, age and fitness level.

Younger players tend to bounce back faster, while older footballers – especially those with previous ankle problems – may need more time to heal.

Ultimately, patience is key when recovering from an ankle problem. Considering football takes a big toll on that part of the body, it is important for players to follow a full rehabilitation plan and avoid cutting corners for short-term gain.