Is turf killing your ankles? Why soccer injury rates spike on artificial ground

Is Turf Killing Your Ankles? Why Soccer Injury Rates Spike on Artificial Ground

 

If you’ve ever walked off a turf soccer field with sore ankles or worse, a sprain you’re not alone. Over the past decade, the rise of artificial turf fields has reshaped the way the game is played especially when it comes to youth soccer. While turf offers benefits like consistent playing conditions and low maintenance, there’s a growing body of evidence showing that it may also be increasing injury risk especially ankle injuries.  One of the other issues is not having the right cleats for turf vs natural grass which some kids can’t afford.

 

The Hidden Cost of Artificial Turf

While Artificial turf is easier to take care of and might be cost effective for some facility it provides texture that is firmer and less forgiving than natural grass. It lacks the natural give that occurs when a player cuts, plants, or pivots on real grass. This means the forces on the ankle are greater when stopping, turning, or landing.  There is also an increased chance your cleat can get caught or stuck in the turf vs natural grass which can affect ankle injuries.  Over time, this stress can lead to chronic issues such as ankle sprains that keeps you sidelined for weeks.  In a recent systematic review of turf and grass fields they found that there was an increase in ankle injuries on turf vs grass.¹

 

Why Soccer Players Are at Risk

Soccer demands frequent changes in direction, high-speed sprints, and unpredictable challenges. When played on turf, these movements are amplified in their impact. A quick pivot that would normally result in a slip-on grass can instead result in a foot getting stuck in the ground or twist on turf causing an ankle sprain. With this being said, many players and trainers are now advocating for specific ankle support strategies when playing on artificial surfaces.

The Rise of Ankle Braces in Soccer

To combat the growing number of turf-related ankle injuries, many athletes have turned to ankle braces for soccer. These braces provide added stability without significantly limiting mobility. Modern ankle braces are lightweight, breathable, and designed specifically for soccer cleats. They can help prevent excessive inversion (rolling outward), which is the most common cause of sprains.  Zamst offers a light weight support brace called the Filmista ankle which protects the entire ankle to stabilize an unstable ankle.

The Truth

Turf fields might be here to stay but that doesn’t mean your ankles have to suffer.  By understanding the risks and using tools like ankle braces, you can stay healthy and keep playing the game you love. Don’t let turf take you out of action support your ankles, and they’ll support you back.

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

EVAN JEFFRIES is a physical therapist with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences.  He is also the owner of Evolving Motion Physical Therapy and has vast knowledge of the musculoskeletal system and has treated many orthopedic conditions by bringing a proactive approach to healthcare and lifestyle.  Recently he has also been active on social media as an injury analyst mainly in related to injuries NBA players have sustained.   Evan can be followed on his social media accounts.

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1. Gould HP, Lostetter SJ, Samuelson ER, Guyton GP. Lower Extremity Injury Rates on Artificial Turf Versus Natural Grass Playing Surfaces: A Systematic Review. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2022;51(6):1615-1621. doi:10.1177/03635465211069562