The Incidence of Ankle Sprains in Soccer

TLDR

The study examined how exposure time relates to ankle sprain incidence in soccer. A prospective 1‑year follow‑up of 639 players across 41 teams in four senior male divisions was conducted. Ankle sprains accounted for 17–20 % of injuries with an incidence of 1.7–2.0 per 1,000 hours, and although higher divisions had more exposure and injuries, ankle‑injury rates were similar across skill levels; players with prior ankle problems were at higher reinjury risk, warranting preventive guidance.

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between exposure time and ankle sprains in soccer. Forty-one teams (639 players) from four male senior soccer divisions at different levels of skill (divisions I-VI) were followed prospectively for 1 year. The exposure to soccer and the number of injuries per player were higher in higher divisions, but the injury incidence, percentage of ankle injuries and incidence of ankle injuries were the same at different levels of skill. Of all injuries 17 to 20% were ankle sprains and the incidence varied between 1.7 to 2.0 ankle injuries per 1,000 hours of exposure. Since players with previous ankle problems run an increased risk of reinjury we suggest that these players receive preventive advice.