The injury suffered by Rory McIlroy will keep the golfer out of action for a minimum of two to three weeks, according to a former Irish Olympic doctor.
Dr Conor O'Brien, and consultant neurophysicist at the Sports Surgery Clinic in Santry, told RTÉ Sport that on average an athlete will be out of action for six weeks after suffering a ruptured anterior talofibular ligament.
McIlroy suffered a total rupture of the ligament in his left ankle "in a soccer kickabout", according to a post on his Instagram account.
While unsure of the exact diagnosis of McIlroy's injury, Dr O'Brien said early detection is the most important issue when treating such an injury, adding "minutes to diagnosis and treatments often means weeks to recovery."
He added that "often with these king of injuries, people walking on a damage injury can make it worse."
Dr O'Brien said there may be "other consequences", as muscles become weakened, leading to "an ankle that may require specific rehabilitation, and that may go on for many, many weeks"
He also said the ability to balance is the most important aspect in getting an athlete back to any activity, adding that the speed of a golfers swing can lead to the joint being placed under a lot of pressure.
The ability of the ankle to absorb this pressure is related to the ability to balance, with Dr O'Brien saying that if a golfer returns from such an injury before they are 100%, they may alter their technique, leading to a drop in playing performance.
Athletes who return before completing their rehabilitation may also be susceptible to further injuries.
On a positive note, the doctor added that there is "huge expertise" in Ireland when it comes to dealing with ankle injuries, while improvements in imaging studies mean you can diagnose and quantify injuries more accurately, meaning treatment can be directed more accurately.
