5 Common Football Injuries and Prevention
Football is a fast-paced, team based contact sport, where the chances of getting injured are pretty high. Irrespective of whether you are skilled or beginner injuries, happen to even the best players in the world. So, it is crucial that you know the injuries you might face and the risks involved when you’re out on the field.
Here are five of the most common football injuries and the ways to prevent them.
1. Head injuries
In football, bumps and bruises on the head and face are a common affair. But the injury that’s really concerning is a concussion. Usually a concussion causes a headache, blurred vision, dizziness, or memory and balance issues.
One of the ways to prevent head injuries is to limit the use of the head for hitting the ball, especially during practice. It also helps to be aware of your surroundings especially before heading the ball.
2. Heat-related injuries
Heat-related injuries are another serious football injury. A healthy diet, plenty of fluids and enough rest is the best way to safeguard you from heat related injuries.
Another important way to reduce the risk of heat related injuries is by knowing the symptoms of these kinds of injuries, especially heat stroke. Also, make sure to wear the right kind of equipment that can absorb sweat and keep your body cool.
Additionally, a very convenient way to address heat related issues is by checking your weight during training in the summer months. Loss of fluids will cause your weight to drop and that should be a sign to start hydrating yourself.
3. Knee Injuries
One of the most common injuries in soccer are knee injuries. This is because, besides kicking being one of the main actions in the game, it is a sport that involves a lot of sudden movements that put stress on the knees and their ligaments. When excessive stress is applied to the ligaments, they can stretch beyond their limit, which can cause a sprain or even a tear.
Fitness is key when it comes to lowering the risk of injuring your knee. Regular exercises strengthen the muscles around your ligaments, helping prevent knee-related issues.
4. Ankle injuries
An injury to the ligaments in your ankle is called a sprained ankle which can happen when the ankle is turned too much to one side. A major cause of a sprained ankle is walking or running on an uneven surface or when the foot is planted awkwardly.
Specific ankle exercises to strengthen the muscles that support your ankle will reduce the risk of ankle injuries. Also, the use of ankle braces or tape help in stabilising ankle movement.
5. ACL Injuries
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is an important ligament in the front of the knee that tears easily with pressure or stress on the knee.
Squats are a great way to strengthen the muscles in the knees. Also, exercises like hip abduction, fire hydrant, and clam shell aid in strengthening the muscles around the ligaments in the knees.
As we discussed, injuries and sprains to the knees and ankles are very common in football. Being a contact sport, collisions often result in a range of such injuries. Whether football is your hobby or you’re a pro football player, you should seek the help of podiatrists like ModPod Podiatry to manage your sports-related injuries.