Introduction to the Issue
A recent study has highlighted a concerning trend among retired UK male professional soccer players: a significant number of them develop osteoarthritis, particularly in the foot and ankle regions. This condition is often linked to injuries sustained during their active careers, with a notable correlation to the use of cortisone injections as a treatment method.
The Nature of Soccer-Related Injuries
Professional soccer is a high-intensity sport characterized by rapid movements, frequent direction changes, and physical contact, all of which contribute to a high risk of injury. Among these, foot and ankle injuries are particularly prevalent. Ankle sprains and metatarsal fractures are the most common injuries, often occurring during matches rather than practice sessions due to the competitive and fast-paced nature of the games.
Impact of Injuries on Joint Health
Injuries to the joints can lead to a cascade of issues, including pain, swelling, and damage to the articular cartilage and other joint tissues. Over time, these injuries can result in osteoarthritis, a condition that can cause chronic pain and disability. The study found that nearly 25% of male professional soccer players experience foot or ankle injuries during their careers, underscoring the widespread nature of this problem.
Controversy Surrounding Injection Therapies
To manage pain and facilitate a quicker return to play, many players receive injection therapies such as corticosteroids, local anesthetics, platelet-rich plasma, and hyaluronic acid. However, the long-term effects of these treatments are controversial. While they can provide temporary relief, there is limited evidence supporting their effectiveness, and concerns exist about their potential to mask underlying joint damage and accelerate structural deterioration.
Study Findings on Osteoarthritis Risk
The study, conducted between August 2020 and October 2021, examined retired UK male soccer players to assess the prevalence of foot and ankle osteoarthritis. Of the 424 players studied, 73% of those with osteoarthritis reported having sustained foot or ankle injuries during their careers. Additionally, 75% of these players had been treated with corticosteroid injections.
Implications of Corticosteroid Use
While the study found an association between corticosteroid injections and higher rates of osteoarthritis, it cautions against concluding that the injections directly cause the condition. Instead, injections are often administered following injuries, which may inherently increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis. Notably, players with osteoarthritis reported receiving a higher number of injections into a single ankle during a season, often exceeding the recommended limit of four injections per season.
Conclusions and Recommendations
The chief investigator of the study, Weiya Zhang, emphasized that significant foot or ankle injuries during a player’s career are a major modifiable risk factor for developing osteoarthritis later in life. This finding highlights the need for careful management of injuries and consideration of the long-term implications of treatment choices.
Further Research and Exploration
The study, titled “Injury and local injection and the risk of foot/ankle osteoarthritis: a case-control study in retired UK male professional footballers,” was published in the journal Rheumatology. It provides valuable insights into the risks faced by professional soccer players and underscores the importance of ongoing research to develop safer and more effective treatment strategies.
🔗 **Fuente:** https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-10-pro-soccer-players-osteoarthritis.html