Factors Affecting Return to Play in Athletes With Foot and Ankle Injuries

Recovery from injury for athletes is a multifaceted process that requires physiologic healing of the injury and psychological readiness. Although the individual injury will dictate the terms of healing and different injuries require different recoveries, healing or near-healing of the orthopaedic injury is the first step along the path of return to play. Return to play encompasses a range of milestones that often begin with a limited return to the practice field and end with return to full competition in an unlimited manner. Optimizing the psychology of recovery can allow for a more linear recovery and help to remove some potential impediments. The orthopaedic surgeon ultimately works with a team of clinicians, including physical therapists and athletic trainers, to work toward returning an athlete to a maximal level of performance.