UAB Sports & Exercise Medicine offers ways to avoid football-related injuries.
Written by: Ashley Williamson
Media contact: Bob Shepard
UAB Sports and Exercise Medicine provides medical care to Birmingham’s amateur and professional soccer teams.While Sundays in America are reserved for a lot of soccer this time of year, this weekend, world soccer – or soccer – kicks off its main men’s event. The 2022 FIFA World Cup begins on Sunday 22 November in Qatar with an opening match between Qatar and Ecuador. The U.S. men’s soccer team will see its first match against Wales on Monday, November 21 at 1 p.m.
Like any contact or team sport, football is not immune to player injuries. UAB Sports and Exercise Medicinepart of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery At University of Alabama at Birminghamserves as a medical provider for many local football teams.
“We see many soccer-related injuries at the clinic throughout the year, especially through our partnerships with local youth, collegiate and professional soccer teams, like Birmingham Legion FC,” said Ashley Williamson, clinical care coordinator. “The majority of football-related injuries, up to 90 percent, involve the lower extremities.”
Williamson offers strategies for mitigating injuries while playing football:
Wear appropriate protective equipment – In football, shin guards are designed to help prevent lower leg fractures. Fractures account for almost 33% of all football injuries.
Pre-season conditioning – Off-season training and conditioning can have a major influence on the occurrence and prevention of injuries. Studies show that even seven weeks of preseason training can reduce the risk of regular season injuries.
Dynamic Stretches Before Practice and Game – Dynamic stretching is an active movement that allows joints and muscles to move through their full range of motion. Dynamic stretching is proven to produce better results than traditional static stretching. Studies show that dynamic stretching improves acceleration and agility, which is an added benefit.
Practice correct technique for heading the ball – Concussions in sports are a hot topic right now and one study showed that teaching proper heading techniques to young soccer players reduced the prevalence of concussions during the season. Teaching points include: making eye contact with the ball, maintaining an athletic stance, touching the ball using the forehead and upper trunk.
Maintain good nutrition and hydration – Staying hydrated and eating the right foods is key to optimal performance, especially in football. Nutritionists recommend prioritizing carbohydrate and protein consumption 30 to 60 minutes after a workout or match. Athletes are also encouraged to drink 1 ounce of water per pound daily.
