Healing from Injuries

Healing from sports injuries can take some time. Once swelling is reduced, a good blood supply will speed healing by moving nutrients, oxygen, and infection fighting cells to the damaged area. Healing time varies from person to person, but athletes tend to have a better blood supply, and heal faster than those with chronic illness, smokers, or those with sedentary lifestyles. Keep in mind that you can not force yourself to heal, you can only allow yourself to heal.

Average Healing Times
For someone in reasonable shape, the following are the average length of time to heal for common injuries:

• Fractured finger or toe: 3 to 5 weeks.
• Fractured clavicle: 6 to 10 weeks.
• Sprained ankle: minor - 5 days; severe - 3 to 6 weeks.
• Mild contusion: 5 days.
• Muscle pulls: a few days to several weeks. This is very dependent upon the severity and location of the injury.
• Mild shoulder separation: 7 to 14 days.