PRESCRIBE FOOTBALL FOR ALL ROUND WELLNESS

PRESCRIBE FOOTBALL FOR ALL ROUND WELLNESS

The most popular sport in the world is not just an entertainment for its fans but also acts as a broad-spectrum anti-biotic medicine against many lifestyle diseases that includes diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis and even cancer (prostrate & breast).

 

Scientific studies published in numerous peer-reviewed international journals confirm that football as a sport is not just a popular, joyful and social activity but it also acts as a High-intensity Interval (HIIT) and strength training for players of all ages and skill levels. The intense periods of running and sprinting involved in football enhances aerobic endurance and has a very positive impact on cardiovascular, metabolic and musculoskeletal fitness. Moreover, football like any other sport is cheap and easily available unlike costly pharmaceutical drugs says "Dr. Ajay Singh Thakur, MBBS, MS, DNB, Consultant Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine Surgeon, STAR Hospitals"

 

Football is already played by an estimated 500 million players worldwide fortunately it has gained a lot of attention in our country of late, due to some of the major tournaments like Durand Cup, Santosh Trophy, and ISL (Indian super league).

 

Football as a sport, does have its share of injuries. Acute injuries are reported especially to the ankle, knee and head which require rest, rehabilitation and sometimes surgery. Following is a description of the common injuries sustained and the methods to prevent them for a healthy life.

 

COMMON INJURIES IN FOOTBALL:

 

Knee injuries in football are the most common, especially those to the anterior or posterior cruciate ligament (ACL/PCL) and to the menisci (cartilage of the knee). Football players also have a higher chance of ankle sprains due to the surfaces played on and cutting motions. In addition, injuries to the acromio-clavicular joint (ACJ), cuff tendinitis and shoulder dislocations, hamstring and quadriceps muscle tears, concussions, low-back pain and patellar tendinitis are frequently seen in these players.

 

THE CAUSES OF INJURIES:

 

  • Improper techniques
  • Sudden trauma remains the most prominent reason of injuries
  • Contact with opponent
  • No proper protective gear
  • Nearly 35% of injuries occur due to foul play
  • More injuries occur during game than training
  • Non-contact injuries due to running, pivoting and falls

 

Factors increasing your injury risk:

 

  • History of previous injury
  • Lower age
  • Poor Joint instability and pain
  • Poor physical conditioning
  • Inadequate rehabilitation
  • Exercise overload
  • Poor football skills
  • High amount and poor quality of training
  • Playing field conditions
  • Not wearing protective equipment

 

How to prevent injuries:

 

  • Warm up: warm up should be specific to the type of work out. Warming up is a part of stretching and preparation for physical exertion or a performance by exercising or practicing gently beforehand, usually undertaken before a performance or practice to prevent muscle cramps and injury due to over exertion
  • Stretching: it should be performed during the warm up as well as to cool down
  • Cool down: done after a more intense activity, to allow the body to gradually transition to a resting or near-resting state. Cooling down allows the heart rate to return to its resting rate. Cooling down can involve a slow jog or walk
  • Adequate sleep and rest is also important as it promotes psychological well being of an athlete
  • Adequate water intake to prevent dehydration
  • Size of the ball used to play should be appropriate for the age of the player
  • Gradually increase intensity and duration of training and conditioning the player
  • Instruction on correct kicking, heading and tackling techniques must be available and reinforced
  • Wear a mouthguard, preferably custom-fitted, at all times
  • Consider preventive ankle taping or bracing to reduce risk of injury
  • Seek professional advice on footwear

 

Book Appointment: Dr. Ajay Singh Thakur, MBBS, MS, DNB, Consultant Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine Surgeon, STAR Hospitals