THE MOST COMMON SPORTS INJURIES IN FOOTBALL – AN OVERVIEW

A pulled muscle or torn muscle fibre often affects the flexor group on the back of the thigh. It is usually sufficient to rest the affected area. Physiotherapy, taking into account the individual pain threshold, can support and promote the healing process in the event of a torn or strained muscle fibre.

Both ankle and knee ligaments can be strained or pulled when playing football. A magnetic resonance imaging examination provides information on this. If ligaments are strained, decongestant and stabilising bandages and supports are prescribed. Physiotherapy measures also support the healing process. In the case of a pulled ligament, it is often sufficient to support and rest the ankle or knee.

The treatment of a torn ligament, i.e. a rupture in the ankle joint, is treated conservatively. Decongestant and stabilising bandages splint and support the ankle joint. Additional bandages and orthoses support stabilisation and provide relief for the ankle joint. Physiotherapeutic applications are important to counteract stiffening of the ankle joint. Thanks to modern medicine, surgery is no longer necessary in many cases.

In the so-called footballer’s ankle, bony protrusions form on the edge of the tibia and scarring on the ankle joint capsule. There is no significant arthrosis of the ankle joint. This syndrome can be triggered by the instep shot or hyperextension. A typical symptom is that it is painful to lift the foot when the ankle joint is extended.

The conservative treatment method is to change the footwear, rest for a longer period of time and infiltrate anti-inflammatory agents. If these conservative methods do not work, the ossification is removed arthroscopically. Physiotherapy is required after the surgical procedure.

If the anterior or posterior cruciate ligament of the knee is torn, surgery is usually advised, depending on the client’s sporting level and age. Postoperatively, decongestant and stabilising bandages and orthoses as well as supports are prescribed. Physiotherapeutic and physical measures promote muscle development.

A groin strain, also known as an adductor strain, is extremely painful, especially if muscle fibre tears have also occurred. The only thing that helps here is to take it easy; physiotherapy and physical measures can also have a supportive effect if necessary.

Overloading the symphysis pubis is the cause of osteitis pubis and a common type of injury among footballers. If other triggers can be ruled out by our specialists, we recommend rest and physiotherapy. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy can also achieve good results.

A meniscus tear in the knee does not heal by itself. It is therefore urgently necessary to consult an orthopaedist and knee expert. An MRI scan provides a good overview of the extent of the meniscus injury. Surgical/conservative treatment options can then be discussed. You can find detailed information on the operation here.

Depending on the location and localisation, these fractures are treated conservatively by using a plaster cast or must be corrected surgically.

The treatment of an Achilles tendon rupture is individualised. Depending on age, sporting demands and the extent of the injury, immobilisation may be sufficient. In addition, an Achilles tendon rupture can be treated with tendon surgery.

The treatment method for a collarbone fracture depends on the location and localisation. A collarbone fracture is often treated conservatively with a Gilchrist bandage for immobilisation. If conservative methods are not possible, surgery is necessary.

The treatment of an acromioclavicular joint injury depends on the position and localisation. Treatment can be conservative, e.g. with a backpack bandage, or minimally invasive surgery is required.