Football is the most popular sports in the world and one that continues to be a growing team sport. Although football provides an enjoyable form of aerobic exercise and helps develop balance, agility, coordination and teamwork, players need to be aware of the injury risks. Injury prevention, early detection, and treatment can keep players on the field long-term.

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Injuries to the lower extremities are the most common. These injuries are traumatic, such as a kick to the leg or a twist to the knee, or result from overuse of a muscle or tendon.

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Lower Extremity

Injuries Sprains and Strains are the most common lower extremity injuries. The severity of these injuries do vary. Cartilage tears and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) sprains in the knee are some of the more common injuries that may at times lead to a requirement for surgery. Other injuries include fractures and contusions from direct blows to the body.

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Overuse Lower Extremity Injuries

Shin splints, patellar tendinitis, and achilles tendinitis are some of the more common overuse conditions. Players are also prone to groin pulls and thigh & calf muscle strains.

Stress fractures occur when bones becomes weak from overuse. It is often difficult to distinguish stress fractures from soft tissue injury. If pain develops in any part of your lower extremity and does not clearly improve after a few days of rest, a physiotherapist should be consulted to determine whether a stress fracture is present.

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Upper Extremity Injuries

Injuries to the upper extremities usually occur from falling on an outstretched part of the body or from player-to-player contact. These conditions include sprains, fractures, and dislocations.

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Head, Neck, and Face Injuries

Injuries to the head, neck, and face include cuts and bruises, fractures, neck sprains, and concussions. A concussion is any alteration in an athlete’s mental state due to head trauma and should always be evaluated by a physiotherapist or medical professional. Not all concussions means lose of consciousness.

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How are these treated?

Participation should be stopped immediately until any injury is evaluated and treated professionally. Most injuries are minor and can be treated by a short period of rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE). A trained health care professional such as a sports medicine physician or physiotherapist should be consulted to evaluate an injury, often a decision can be made to allow a player to continue playing. A player should return to play only when clearance is granted by a health care professional or a physiotherapist.

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Overuse injuries can be treated with a short period of rest, which means that the player may continue to perform or practice some activities with modifications. In many cases, pushing through pain can be harmful, especially for stress fractures, knee ligament injuries, and any injury to the head or neck. A trained health care professional such as a sports medicine physician or physiotherapist should be consulted to evaluate an injury. A player should return to play only when clearance is granted by a health care professional or a physiotherapist.

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How can injuries be prevented?

• Warm up appropriately before both trainings and games;

• Have a pre-season physical examination and follow the recommendations;

• Use well-fitting football boots for the appropriate surface and shin-guards;

• Be aware of field conditions that can increase injury rates;

• Hydrate adequately. Waiting until you are thirsty is often too late to hydrate properly;

• Pay attention to weather recommendations, especially in relation to excessively hot and humid weather;

• Maintain proper fitness. Injury rates are higher in players who have not adequately prepared physically;

• After a period of inactivity, progress gradually back to full-contact through activities such as conditioning, strength training, and agility training;

• Avoid overuse injuries. Listen to your body and decrease training time and intensity if pain or discomfort develops. Don't forget to inform you coach;

• Speak with a sports medicine physician or physiotherapist if you have any concerns about injuries or prevention strategies.