Football injuries are all part of the game. Most players succumb to an injury at some point, although amateur players are more at risk because they are not as fit. If you are struck down with an injury while playing a match or during a training session, it is important to take the right steps. Otherwise, you run the risk of exacerbating the injury or being left on the injury bench for longer than necessary.
Common injuries seen in football players include ankle sprains, groin strains, hamstring and quad strains, concussions, and knee injuries. All these issues can range from mild to severe, but with the right treatment, you’ll soon be back on the pitch with the rest of your team.
Use the RICE Method
Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation is the standard way to treat sports injuries ranging from mild to moderate. Use RICE to treat strains and overuse injuries. As soon as you feel something isn’t right, stop moving. Do not try and finish the game or training session if you are in pain. All that does is make the problem worse and ensure it takes longer to heal.
Rest the affected area for two days. You don’t need to lie on the couch for 48-hours, but it’s best to move as little as possible, and avoid working out or doing anything else too strenuous. Depending on how painful the injury is, you may need to immobilize the limb for a few days, to prevent any further damage.
Redness and inflammation are common components of sports-related injuries. Grab an ice pack and apply it to the affected area. This will reduce inflammation and swelling and kick-start the healing process. A bag of frozen peas from the freezer, wrapped in a tea towel, will do if you don’t have an ice pack handy. Take ibuprofen to tackle any inflammation, but make sure you follow the dosage guidelines and check with your doctor if you are currently taking any other prescription medication.
Use a compression bandage to reduce swelling in the affected area, but make sure it’s not so tight that you cut off all circulation. Elevate the area using a cushion or pillow. The idea here is to raise the affected limb above your heart level. This should help to reduce pain and swelling.
Speak to a Physiotherapist
Sports injuries are often caused by overtraining and musculoskeletal weaknesses. While a minor strain will heal within a few days, it’s worth scheduling an appointment with a physiotherapist if the injury is moderate to severe or not your first issue. A good physio will identify the root cause of the problem and put together a treatment plan to ensure you recover speedily. They will also give you exercises to do so you can strengthen the area and avoid future problems. This is very useful if you have a groin strain or problems with your IT band, as the underlying cause is typically weakness in the core and hip area.
Use Your Rest Time Wisely
Since you won’t be able to train for a while, it makes sense to maximize your downtime in other ways. Look to see if you can improve your diet, devise a new training schedule, and go and support your team. You might also want to look at different supplements. You can try a kratom extract to see if it helps with the pain relief from your football injury.
Don’t despair if you are struck down with a football injury. Follow the advice above and you’ll soon be back on the pitch.
