A Guide To Footballing Ailments

Here is line-up of the most common injuries in our country’s favourite game.

It has all kicked off – the flags are flying from each black cab, the dulcet tones of groups of men singing “three lions” fill the air and work places are awash with sweepstakes (I got Chile). People get inspired to start kicking the ball again when the World Cup is on; football is fun and great for fitness. However with it come injuries galore…just ask England’s Chief Physio Gary Lewin!

Whilst ankle dislocations for team physios are not so common, ligaments tears and muscle strains can happen with ease. So here is line-up of the most common injuries in our country’s favourite game.

THE KNEE

He breaks away and heads for the goal but is soon challenged: he reacts by turning quickly, foot locked on to the ground but leg twisting…. pop. There goes his Anterior Cruciate Ligament. This strong connective tissue prevents the tibia (shin bone) from sliding forwards, away from the thigh bone (femur). A tear can mean surgery and extensive rehab. Strong hamstrings and quadriceps can reduce the chance of this injury.

THE ANKLE

By far the most common of injuries in football. The player is tackling another player, he moves quickly, shows great agility, then: snap. The foot rolls under the ankle, tearing the ligaments that lie on the outer side of the foot. Length of healing depends on extent of the tear. Injury risk reduces with very specific strengthening and balance exercises.

HAMSTRINGS

He kicks his leg forwards, he shoots! He feels a ping in the back of his thigh. He performs a spectacular dive on to the ground. Hamstring tears are extremely common due to the nature of the game (locked knee lengthening the hamstrings). Immensely painful: healing time can take 8-12 weeks. Prevention can be improved with adequate mobility and stretching drills.

HEAD

The player jumps up to header the ball and instead head-butts another head, a foot or perhaps the ball. A bruise (contusion) can form which can increase the pressure on the brain itself, causing concussion. This is very serious and must always be approached with extra care (seen by a doctor).

So that is a round up of my top footballing injuries. It is a fast game that requires great skills and training; so do your warm-up and mobilise to give injuries the red card!