Football is one of the most popular sporting activities. However, because it is such a rigorous physical sport, it should come as no surprise that football injuries related to it top the pack in a wide range of problems when it comes to sports.

As hard as it may be to believe, football still remains one of the most popular sports in the world, despite the consequences that come with it. Whether one is a professional or simply in any stage of their relationship with the activity, these injuries can serve as rather a significant physical strain. Sometimes even psychological, which can then lead to an inability to perform well; for this, mental health professionals at health2delivery are always available to help.

Types of Common Injuries

1. Muscle Strain

Professional athletes are prone to musculoskeletal injuries. Muscle straining, often known as pulled or torn muscles, most commonly affects the muscles in the lower part of a person’s leg, obviously because football requires legs to be most active.

2. Hamstring Strains

Under the umbrella of muscle strains, the hamstrings muscles of a footballer are probably the ones most affected. These are the muscles that go from the lowest part of one’s buttocks to both the backsides of one’s knees. An unforeseen intense pain in the back of the knee, especially while jogging or doing a high kick or a quick stretching exercise, is a common symptom of a hamstring strain.

3. Knee Ligament Injuries

Bones are joined together by ligaments. The thighbone is held to the shinbone by four ligaments in the knee:

1. Anterior cruciate ligament
2. Posterior cruciate ligament
3. Medial collateral ligament
4. Lateral collateral ligament

Sportspeople, specifically footballers, are unable to move their knees properly due to injuries to these ligaments. Such conditions can be caused by abruptly changing directions when sprinting and absorbing direct hits to the knees.

4. Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis leads to pain, inflammation, and the possibility of Achilles tendon degenerative changes in the back of the ankle. Symptoms might be severe, lasting a few weeks, or chronic, lasting months. A football player with persistent Achilles tendinitis can typically still play, although it will be painful and likely hinder functioning.

5. Metatarsal Stress Fractures

A metatarsal stress fracture can be defined as a minor fracture inside one of the foot’s bones. The metatarsal bones are long, thin bone fragments between both the center of one’s foot and your toes that give one’s foot its distinctive arched shape. When individuals walk, we transmit weight from the toes to the metatarsal bones.

Types of Football Injury Treatments

Since football is indeed a dynamic activity, the range of injuries and viable therapies for rehabilitation concerning it will differ from person to person.

Here are six popular methods for treating football-related injuries:

1. EPAT Therapy For Football Injuries

EPAT Treatment Method, also known as Shockwave Treatment, is a hassle-free, non-invasive way for setting the process of healing in motion.

These sessions involve the delivery of impulse shock wave deep into the muscles and tissue. This, in turn, aids in the blood flow to injured areas, the reduction of inflammation, and the promotion of speedier recovery.

2. Rice

Minor injuries, such as rips, pulled muscles, or tendinitis in an affected joint, can be treated with the RICE method, which basically means Rest, Ice, Compress, and Elevate.

RICE is particularly important within the first 72 hours after an injury. While cold can help reduce inflammation and discomfort, compression and rest will assist in supporting the joint and allow the wounded region to recover.

3. Taping And Strapping

While problems such as hamstrings tendinitis or an ankle sprain require healing, tape and strapping can help reduce stress on the muscles and tendons by providing additional support and tension. This is why you can probably see dozens of players with their limbs wrapped in tapes.

4. Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Medications

That little medical professional voice (self-proclaimed, obviously) in our heads helps us when we know our injuries are not that severe. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen can help reduce injury-related discomfort while also boosting inflammation reduction.

5. Surgery

Say you fractured your foot, this is where quick and easy treatments don’t work. Serious football injuries, such as shattered bones, a ruptured Achilles tendon, a torn rotator cuff, knee injuries, and others, may require surgical surgery in order to heal fully.

6. Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can assist speed up the healing process of an injury by teaching particular exercises and stretches to promote strength and flexibility.

Treating Sports Injuries

Football injuries are prevalent among individuals who participate in the sport, but thankfully, many of the treatment options listed will help them heal quickly and return to the field.

The majority of these therapy methods have been in use for quite some time. EPAT Therapy is the newest treatment on the list, but it has gained popularity among trainers in recent years since it speeds up the healing process and allows athletes to return to play with little or no rest.