World Cup warning over foot stress
Ref: HS 10/01
05 July 2010
Despite England’s demoralising early exit from the World Cup, football frenzy is still sweeping the nation and experts are warning fans and future England hopefuls of the dangers a kick about in the park could cause their feet.
Podiatrists from University of Southampton’s School of Health Sciences say that ill-fitting sports shoes are one of the biggest causes of serious injury, including back, knee and hip pain.
With vuvuzelas at full volume people of all ages have still got the World Cup bug and can be seen playing football in the streets and parks.
Those who play football and either wear poorly fitting boots or trainers also risk conditions such as Achilles tendonitis, shin splints, blisters and ingrown toenails.
Podiatrist Dr Alan Borthwick, a senior lecturer at the University, says: “We wouldn’t want to dampen people’s enthusiasm and enjoyment of the World Cup – playing football with friends is good fun and healthy. But I would urge people to wear a good well-fitted pair of boots so they don’t injure themselves.
“The increase in football’s popularity has been accompanied by an increase in foot related injuries. It can put a lot of stress on your feet especially if it’s being played on hard surfaces, so people just need to be careful. I would hate to think that potential England World Cup winners were ruining their chances!”
Most professional players will wear very tight fitting boots for better ball control and so it’s not uncommon for them to suffer from pressure points, corns, callus or ingrowing toenails too.
Common injuries such as sprained or twisted ankles due to the twists and turns used in the sport can also be due to the low profile of the boot itself which gives little support to the back of the foot or ankle.