Footaball

Football players twist their knees and ankles while running in different directions during a typical match, which can cause a wide variety of sports injuries.

Knee injuries
Sudden stops, high-speed turns or jumping to intercept a ball can strain the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee, potentially causing a partial or complete tear depending on the force and angle of the twist.

During the injury, a sharp pain in the knee is often immediately felt, often accompanied by a popping sound and a sensation of joint dislocation. Swelling follows as the torn ligament bleeds. With a partial tear, walking may be unstable; a complete tear typically makes walking or standing too painful.

Within one to two months, pain and swelling usually subside as blood disperses. While daily activities may resume without treatment, the knee may feel unstable during twisting motions like descending stairs. Occasional pain and swelling may recur, especially during exercise. The joint becomes more prone to dislocation, increasing the risk of meniscus damage and long-term degeneration.

ACL tears carry a 60% risk of a meniscus injury, which may include dislocation, rupture or cartilage fractures. Other ligaments (posterior, medial and lateral) can also tear. In severe cases, bones may break under intense impact.

Ankle sprains
When playing football, ankle sprains can occur due to dribbling, stopping abruptly, being tackled or losing balance. In most cases, the lateral ligament will be injured and sometimes there may even be bone fractures.

With a partial or complete tear of the lateral ligament, the ankle will become swollen, painful and unstable, making a recurring sprain more likely. If swelling persists, there may be stiffness or calcification in the foot joint, which will lead to osteophytes (bone spurs) that affect the flexibility of the ankle. The ankle joint may even degenerate over time.