Football is one of the most popular sports in the world. However, as in all contact sports, there is always an underlying injury risk. Trauma is commonly seen in athletes due to the physical demands of the sport.
To get the best treatment for a sports injury, always consult with one of the best orthopedic doctors in Dubai. Experienced doctors in this field will be able to diagnose and treat the injury, providing the best advice and guidance on rehabilitation.
But how serious are football injuries? What are the most common in the field, according to the best orthopedic doctors in Dubai? In this article, we will go through the top 5 injuries in terms of their frequency in the doctor’s office.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury
An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is an injury that can happen at any time and to virtually any athlete playing high-impact sports, such as basketball and football. The anterior cruciate is the most commonly injured ligament, particularly among athletes between 16 and 30 years old. This ligament is located inside the knee, so the inflammation might not be visible. Still, the pop sound when it breaks is usually noticeable, and the pain at the moment of the lesion is very severe.
After an ACL is torn, the athlete typically has an ACL reconstruction surgery. In this type of surgery, the damaged ligament is replaced with a tendon from the patient’s patellar tendon, hamstring tendon, or quadriceps tendon. The surgery can take up to 2 hours to complete, and the patient’s knee will be in a bulky brace for several weeks following the surgery.
The rehabilitation process after the surgery can take anywhere from 4-12 months, depending on the patient’s injury severity. However, most patients return to a different level of competition.
Knee Cartilage Tear
Another knee problem in football players is a knee cartilage tear. It results from the sudden and forceful twisting of the knee joint. Symptoms of a knee cartilage tear are similar and include pain, swelling, and loss of range of motion in the affected knee.
Depending on the severity of the tear, treatment may range from rest and physical therapy to surgery. In cases of severe cartilage tears, surgery is often the recommended course of action to repair the damage and restore movement.
The recovery time for a knee cartilage tear depends on the severity of the injury, the type of treatment used, and the patient’s overall health. Generally, the rehabilitation process can take anywhere from four to eight weeks. To ensure a successful recovery, it is essential to find the best orthopedic doctors in Dubai for the particular injury and to follow their advice.
Hamstring Strain
Many athletes come to the orthopedic doctor with a hamstring strain, particularly if they play football or other high-impact sports. A hamstring tear occurs when the back muscles of the thigh become overstretched and tear, often due to sudden, rapid movements such as running or jumping.
Symptoms of a hamstring strain include pain and swelling in the back of the thigh, reduced mobility, and muscle weakness. Treatment for a hamstring strain typically involves rest, ice, and physical therapy.
Depending on the severity of the strain, it may take anywhere from 11 to 25 days to return to play. However, the injury is severe in some cases, and surgical intervention may be necessary. Fortunately, many highly-skilled orthopedic doctors in Dubai specialize in sports injuries and can provide the best possible care.
Sprained Ankle
Another sprain worth mentioning is located in the foot area, and it is also ubiquitous in football players. We’re talking about a sprained ankle. It is caused by the sudden twisting of the ankle in a way that causes ligament damage.
The most common symptoms are pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected ankle. The recommended treatment includes rest, ice, compression, and ankle elevation. Depending on the severity of the injury, physical therapy, medications, and even surgery may be needed. However, this is usually a mild condition, and patients recover with noninvasive treatment. Still, they will need a skilled doctor and a highly prepared physical therapy team to achieve a successful return to play.
The recovery time can vary depending on the severity of the injury, but it can take one to three weeks. Luckily, the field of foot surgery in Dubai is highly specialized, and patients with more severe conditions can also find excellent treatment options and specialized care.
Calf Strain
As you can probably see by now, the most common football injuries affect the lower leg, around the knee, and below. One example is the calf strain, which is also commonly seen in clinical practice. It is a common sports injury in football due to the repetitive and vigorous running required of the game.
As mentioned above, a strain is an overstretching or tearing of the muscle fibers and can range from mild to severe. Calf strain symptoms include swelling, tenderness, pain, bruising, and the inability to put weight on the affected leg.
Treatment of a calf strain typically involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation to reduce pain and swelling, followed by a period of rehabilitation involving stretching and strengthening exercises. Recovery time for a calf strain can vary depending on the severity, usually between 1-3 weeks. Surgery may be required to repair the damage for more serious calf strains. For those looking for treatment for a calf strain, many excellent orthopedic doctors in Dubai can provide the best care and advice.
For any football injuries do not hesitate and consult best orthopedic doctors in Dubai at German Medical Center at DHCC. Simply fill out our easy appointments form and we will set your appointment the soonest possible time.
