Football is a strenuous sport, involving aerobic exercise, anaerobic exercise and extreme physical contact, which places an immense strain on an athlete's body and can lead to an array of obvious health issues, such as broken bones, and others that aren't as obvious, such as problems of the stomach and digestive tract.
Contact
Football is a contact sport and tackling can cause a lot of injury due to blunt trauma. The organs of the abdominal cavity are particularly vulnerable because they are not protected by the rib cage or football shoulder pads. They are only protected by layers of muscle, fat and skin. The organs of this cavity are at risk for ruptures and internal bleeding. A ruptured spleen is one of the most common examples of this type of injury. These injuries are usually accompanied by paleness and dizziness. Medical attention should be sought immediately if this type of problem is suspected.
Strain
Tearing of the abdominal muscles is also a common ailment in football players. This type of problem is most likely due to overexertion of an athlete or the stretching of a muscle past its boundaries. These strains can cause everything from mild discomfort to debilitating pain, depending on the severity of the injury.
Hernia
When the organs of the abdominal tract poke through a tear or a weak point of the abdominal wall, it is known as a hernia. The intestines are the most likely organ to cause herniation. Hernias result in bulges in the abdomen or groin and pain during physical exercise. These ailments can be caused by intense strain on the muscles that is common in football as well as other sports. Hernias are usually treated surgically and rarely cause life-threatening complications.
Stomach
An intense amount of mental and physical stress is involved in football, which can cause problems in the digestive tract. Stress elevates the amount of gastric acid in the stomach, which in turn changes the pH balance of the stomach. This can cause inflammation and ulcerations in the stomach and upper intestinal tract.
Prevention
Injuries are a part of sports that cannot be eradicated, but many injuries are preventable. Strengthening and conditioning abdominal muscles goes a long way in injury prevention. Proper warm-ups (warm-ups lasting 20 minutes) also can help prevent injury. It is also very important for athletes to receive proper rest as well as eat a healthy diet.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Umbilical Hernia
- MayoClinic.com: Inguinal Hernia
- Football Rescue: Abdominal Strain & Football
- "Exercise and Health"; Prof. T. A. Asmangulyan; 1997
- "Harrisons Principles of Internal Medicine 16th Edition"; Lawrence Madoff, James Macguire, Kenneth Brandt, Bruce Gillaind, Scott Thaier; 2005
