Management of muscle and tendon injuries in footballers.

BACKGROUND

Muscle and tendon injuries are among the commonest football injuries and can be very frustrating to treat because of the high risk of recurrence.

OBJECTIVE

This article aims to highlight the optimal management of, and risk factor for re-injury of, the common soft tissue injuries in football players.

DISCUSSION

The high risk of recurrence of soft tissue injuries is because most football players return to play before complete healing of the injury. For hamstring and quadriceps strains and thigh haematomas, early return is often a sensible strategy. Calf strains in older players and tendinopathies (Achilles, patellar tendon and chronic groin injuries) generally require a more conservative approach as the risk of prolonged missed playing time is greater. The rupture of tendons that have nearby agonists can often be managed conservatively, but rupture of isolated prime mover tendons, such as the Achilles and patellar tendons, should be managed surgically.