How long should one pause training after an injury?
September 17, 2023 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Emma Hacker
Dear Sir or Madam,
My name is Thomas Schwaru and I am reaching out to you with a question regarding sports medicine. A few weeks ago, I sustained an injury while playing soccer and I am now wondering how long I should pause my training in order to not jeopardize my health.
The injury occurred when I twisted my ankle during a game and felt intense pain in the ankle joint. After visiting a doctor, it was determined that I had suffered a ligament injury. I then proceeded to ice the area, rest my leg, and rest as much as possible. The pain has since subsided somewhat, but I am unsure of when I can safely resume training without risking aggravating the injury.
I am worried that returning to sports too soon may delay the healing process or even cause long-term damage. At the same time, I do not want to pause for too long and lose touch with my team.
Could you please provide me with a recommendation on how long I should continue to pause my training to allow the injury to fully heal? Are there any specific exercises or therapies I can perform in the meantime to support my recovery?
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Best regards,
Thomas Schwaru
Dear Thomas Schwaru,
Thank you for your question regarding sports medicine. I am sorry to hear that you have sustained a ligament injury while playing soccer. Ligament injuries can be very painful and typically require a proper break from training to ensure full healing and minimize the risk of long-term damage.
First and foremost, it is important to understand that the healing time for ligament injuries can vary depending on the severity of the injury. In your case, since the pain has already subsided somewhat, this indicates that your ankle is already on the path to recovery. Nevertheless, it is important to be patient and not to resume training too soon.
It is generally recommended to take at least 4-6 weeks off from training for a ligament injury to give the affected area sufficient time to heal. During this time, it is important to continue to rest the ankle and avoid any stress that could worsen the injury. However, you can perform gentle movement and strengthening exercises to strengthen the muscles around the ankle and support recovery.
It is advisable to work with a physiotherapist who can recommend specific exercises and therapies for the rehabilitation of your ligament injury. Through targeted treatments, you can improve the mobility, stability, and strength in your ankle and reduce the risk of future injuries.
I recommend that you continue to be patient and listen to your body. When the pain has completely subsided and you feel ready, you can slowly start training again, but you should take it slow and pay attention to any warning signs from your body.
I hope this information is helpful to you and wish you a speedy recovery. If you have any further questions, I am happy to assist.
Best regards,
Emma Hacker, Sports Medicine Specialist
