Football

Foot Care problems for footballers
There are many foot injuries which football players can develop as a result of overuse, pounding pressure and friction of the foot. These injuries may include conditions such as plantar fasciitis, ankle sprain, achilles tendonitis, heel pain, athletes foot and others.

Football can put a lot of stress on the feet due to the nature of the game which requires sharp turns, quick stops and starts and heavy tackling, often on hard or un-even surfaces. This is why particular care must be taken while playing football as it is common for footballers to suffer from heel pain and other conditions which can force them to miss matches. You don't want to be seeking plantar fasciitis treatment on the day of a big match!

Most footballers wear football boots which are normally tight around the foot and players can also develop corns, foot calluses, fungus nails, heel pain and even an ingrown toenails.

Tips to reduce injury and discomfort

Foot Hygiene
Hot sweaty feet are common so good foot hygiene is essential to avoid developing conditions such as Athletes Foot. Wash your feet regularly and dry them thoroughly. Use surgical spirit in between the toes to avoid Athletes Foot and skin fungus. The hot sweaty environment is ideal for the development of fungal infection. If you develop a fungal infection you should apply antifungal preparation regularly for the duration of the disorder.

Warming up for the game
In order to avoid muscle and tendon injuries it is important to ensure that the muscles and tendons are properly stretched before the game. Flexibility of the joints is also vital in preventing injury. Active and passive manipulation will help restore a full range of joint movements and foot massage will stimulate the circulation which will make the muscles work more efficiently.

Wear the right socks
Studies have shown the importance of socks in preventing sport injuries. Wearing the wrong socks can cause toenail injuries, friction type injuries such as blisters, corns and foot calluses, skin infections such as Athletes Foot, fungus toe nails and to some extent mechanical injuries such as sesamoiditis.

The ability of a sock to dissipate damaging forces on the surface of the foot rests partly on the fiber composition and more significantly on the construction technique of the manufacturer. Footballers should wear acrylic fiber socks with a slight padded sole.

Wear the right football boot
It is important to remember that foot comfort is more important than fashion. Make sure the football boots are well fitted and that the foot feels snug inside the boot in order to reduce the chances of injury.

Boots with moulded studs
Especially on dry pitches it is recommended that you wear football boots with moulded studs. The more studs you have the better support you get over a wider area which can reduce the chances of getting blisters. If the conditions are wet or muddy then moulded studs will not give a particularly good grip compared to screw-in studs.

Boots with screw-in studs
Boots with screw-in studs are more popular and can be adjusted according to the condition of the pitch. For muddy surfaces it is recommended to adjust the studs to make them longer for a better grip.

Boots with blades
Boots with blades are a recent innovation and are said to make turning on the pitch easier.

Boots with multiple rubber pimples
Boots with multiple rubber pimples are the best choice for playing on an all-weather surfaces, such as Astroturf as they provide the best grip. Astroturf boots also cushion your feet against the pounding on a hard surface. They are also useful on a dry, hard grass pitch at the start of a season.

Insoles and orthotics
Insoles and Orthotics will maintain the foot in it's correct biomechanical position. Ensuring you have the right insoles will prevent over pronation, which will provide arch support and reduce your chances of heel pain and the foot will feel more secure and supported. Insoles will also improve performance.

If you would like to seek advice about choosing the right insoles or orthotics you can email our Feetlife Podiatrist. Alternatively we have many insoles and orthotics in our on-line shop for you to choose from.

If you have any concerns or experience pain it is recommended to visit a Doctor or Podiatrist.