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At SportsRec, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- Sports Medicine: A Physiological Review of American Football
- Sports Medicine: A Physiological Review of American Football
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Can You Play Football If You Break Your Fibula?
As both an athletically demanding and contact sport, it is not recommended that you continue to play football with a fibula fracture. Located on the outer part of the lower leg, the fibula is the smaller of two shinbones. Though physical requirements vary for different positions, in general a football player needs to be able to safely move on his feet without the impediment of a serious or potentially serious injury.
Types of Fractures
Primarily, two main types of fractures occur with the fibula: stress and acute. A stress fracture is an overuse injury that tends to build up slowly and cause microscopic cracks. An acute fracture is usually the result of a sudden trauma and causes a full break in the bone. Repetitive movements combined with vigorous training can cause stress fractures to the fibula in football players. Treatment usually consists of rest for six to eight weeks, allowing the crack to heal.
Exceptions
During the 2012 Olympic games in London, USA runner Manteo Mitchell suffered a stress fracture to his fibula and continued to compete. His decision to do so was an exception; continuing to place pressure on such a fracture can cause the bone to fully break. Consult with your physician to determine the best way to care for your fibula fracture.
References
- Sports Injury Clinic: Fibula Fracture
- Sports Medicine: A Physiological Review of American Football
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Stress Fractures
- Fields, KB. Fibular Fractures. In: UpToDate, Grayzel, J(Ed). 2017.
- Mukherjee AN, Pal AK, Singharoy D, Baksi D, Nath C. Harvesting the free fibular graft: A modified approach. Indian J Orthop. 2011;45(1):53-6. doi:10.4103/0019-5413.73657
- Kortekangas T, Haapasalo H, Flinkkilä T, et al. Three week versus six week immobilisation for stable Weber B type ankle fractures: randomised, multicentre, non-inferiority clinical trial. BMJ. 2019;364:k5432. doi:10.1136/bmj.k5432
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- Gupton M, Kang M. Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb, Fibula. StatPearls Publishing. December 2018.
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- Feigenbaum LA, Baraga M, Kaplan LD, et al. Return to Sport Following Surgery for a Complicated Tibia and Fibula Fracture in a Collegiate Women's Soccer Player with a Low Level of Kinesiophobia. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2015;10(1):95-103.
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- Hsu H, Nallamothu S. Ankle Splinting. StatPearls Publishing. January 2019.
- Mehta SS, Rees K, Cutler L, Mangwani J. Understanding risks and complications in the management of ankle fractures. Indian J Orthop. 2014;48(5):445-52. doi:10.4103/0019-5413.139829
- Anderson RB, Hunt KJ, McCormick JJ. "Management of common sports-related injuries about the foot and ankle." J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2010 Sep;18(9):546-56.
Writer Bio
Beth Rifkin has been writing health- and fitness-related articles since 2005. Her bylines include "Tennis Life," "Ms. Fitness," "Triathlon Magazine," "Inside Tennis" and others. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Temple University.