Rehabilitation and Return to Play Considerations

• Published in: Operative techniques in sports medicine Vol. 29; no. 4; p. 150867
• Main Authors: Waldrop, Norman E., Kouk, Shalen
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Philadelphia Elsevier Inc 01.12.2021; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Ankle; athlete; Athletes; foot and ankle; Pain; Patients; Range of motion; rehab; Rehabilitation; return to play; Skin; sport; Sports injuries; Therapy; rehab; foot and ankle; athlete; sport; return to play
• ISSN: 1060-1872; 1557-9794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.otsm.2021.150867

Foot and ankle injuries are common in athletes and must be properly addressed in order to return the patient to their sport and pre-injury level of play. After undergoing appropriate surgical management, the rehabilitation of the athlete must be carefully monitored by the surgeon, trainer, therapist, coaches and family members in order to prevent repeat or further injury. By properly progressing through the three phases of rehabilitation in a stepwise fashion, the patient can be advanced in a timely manner without inappropriate delays. Early protection, rest, ice, compression and elevation will be followed by range of motion, mobilization and protected weight bearing. Advancement of strengthening and proprioception as well as return of normal gait will precede cardiovascular conditioning and conclude with functional progression of sport specific exercises. Wearable technologies can be used as an adjunct to care while the surgeon manages the difficulties and conflicts of returning an athlete to sport. By following these steps, appropriately tailored to the patient and their sport, the athlete will be able to achieve a full recovery in function and ability.