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Football or Soccer

It is one of the most popular games in the world. Training involves around aerobic and anaerobic fitness, as well as developing lower limb strength and core stability.

Lower Limb:

The injuries range from minor sprains, contusions etc to Anterior Cruciate Ligament ruptures. The muscle sprains are more common in the rectus femoris, hamstrings and the adductors. The other injuries on the knee are the Medial Collateral ligament injuries and the Meniscal injuries. Ankle sprains due to inversion and plantar flexion are other common injuries. In ankle sprains that do not improve, other diagnoses that should be considered are talar dome ostechondral injuries, impingement syndromes etc.

The overuse problems that are likely to occur are Chronic exertional compartment syndrome, Medial Tibial Stress syndrome and stress fractures. Stress fractures in a female athlete should promt one to look out for the female triad, which are menstrual dysfunction, eating disorders and osteoporosis.

Heading the ball could be associated with concussions. It is important to use the corrrect techniq ue and have strong neck muscles. Smaller balls should be used for younger players.