Prof. Msgr. Vladimir Felzmann aka Father Vlad 

still working to help God make this World a better place 

The pursuit of sporting glory often comes at a painful price, with athletes risking severe injuries and potentially long-term health consequences.While the thrill of competition and the rewards of success are undeniable, the physical toll can be significant and lasting.

A 2021 study conducted by the University of Edinburgh surveyed 3,357 retired Olympians and 1,735 general population controls to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with osteoarthritis and pain in athletes.The study found that23.2% of retired Olympians reported physician-diagnosed osteoarthritis, with the knee being the most commonly affected joint.Injury was strongly associated with increased odds of osteoarthritis and pain in specific joints, particularly the knee, hip, and ankle. 

Contact sports, in particular, carry the risk of concussions, which can lead to long-term neurological problems like dementia and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) a degenerative brain disease caused by repeated head trauma and has been linked to a number of cognitive and behavioural issues.

Beyond concussions, athletes can suffer a wide range of physical injuries, including broken bones, torn ligaments, and muscle strains.These injuries can side-line athletes for extended periods, impact their performance, and even lead to career-ending situations.

Some injuries, particularly those affecting joints and muscles, can lead to chronic pain that persists even after an athlete has retired.

There is a growing need to prioritize the long-term health and well-being of athletes, even at the expense of immediate glory.

Measures should be taken to reduce the risk of injuries, including stricter rules, better safety equipment, and improved concussion protocols.

It's important to educate athletes, coaches, and fans about the potential health risks associated with sports and encourage responsible participation.

The University of Edinburgh's sports injury research, particularly through the Edinburgh Sports Medicine Research Network (ESMRN), has yielded key findings regarding injury epidemiology, risk factors, and prevention strategies.Studies have examined injury rates in various sports, including rugby, football, and even Olympic-level athletics, highlighting the importance of understanding the causes and impact of injuries, especially in elite athletes.

Research has demonstrated that sports injuries are a significant concern, particularly among males, and that elite athletes are at a higher risk of injury and its associated long-term consequences like osteoarthritis.

Research on primary prevention strategies, such as neuromuscular training, education, and changes to equipment and rules, has explored ways to reduce injury rates and improve athlete safety.

Studies have also explored the impact of sports injuries on athlete mental health, including the negative psychosocial effects and the importance of social support networks.

The survey was promoted and distributed in eight languages, worldwide via email and social media to Olympians who competed at a Summer and/or Winter Olympic Games and considered themselves retired from Olympic level training and competition.

Patients (or Participants) 3,357 Olympians (44% female), median age 44.7 yrs (16-97) from 131 countries and 57 Olympic Sports (42 summer, 15 winter), mean 1.6±0.9 Olympic Games per Olympian.

Interventions (or Assessment of Risk Factors) Olympic-career participation and significant injury history.

Main Outcome Measurements Injury prevalence by sport and anatomical region.

Results There were 3,746 injuries reported in 2,116 Olympians equating to 63.0% of Olympians (female 68.1%, male 59.2%; Summer 62.0%, Winter 69.0%) reporting at least one significant Olympic-career related injury. 

Overall, 1.1 significant injuries per Olympic-career were reported, with 63.8% (n=2389) of injuries occurring in training. 

By sport (Summer and Winter, respectively), injury prevalence was highest in handball (82.2%), badminton (78.4%) and judo (77.2%), and alpine skiing (82.4%), freestyle skiing (81.6%), and snowboarding (77.3%), and lowest for shooting (40.0%) and swimming (48.5%), and biathlon (40.0%) and curling (54.3%) (sports with n≥20 participants). 

The knee (20.6%), followed by the lumbar spine (13.1%), and shoulder (12.9%) were the most common affected injury locations.

Conclusions Overall, almost two thirds of Olympians reported sustaining at least one significant Olympic-career related injury. Similar to prospective injury studies, injury prevalence varied across sports, with the knee, lumbar spine and shoulder most commonly affected. It is important to understand the nature and causes of injuries during the entire career of an elite athlete, in order to better inform injury prevention and future athlete health initiatives.

Several footballers have had their careers cut short or significantly impacted by injuries. Here are just five.

1)Marco van Basten, ( born 1964), who played as a striker for Ajax and AC Milan, as well as theNetherlands national team, regarded as  one of greatest strikers in football history, having picked up three Ballon d'Or awards in his career, had his career was cut short by a persistent and severe ankle injury.He battled the injury for years, undergoing multiple surgeries, and ultimately retired at the young age of 30. The injury, which he first experienced in his early 20s, caused him immense pain and significantly impacted his daily life.

2) Eduardo da Silva, promising player for Arsenal, his career was severely affected by a severe leg break.On 23 February 2008, Eduardo suffered a broken left fibula and an open dislocation of his left ankle in a match against Birmingham City, following a tackle byMartin Taylor, for which Taylor was sent off. Eduardo's injury was so graphic thatSky Sports, which was broadcasting the game live, decided not to show replays of the incident. Arsène Wenger initially called for a lifetime ban for Taylor, but retracted his comments later.Taylor claimed to have visited Eduardo in hospital and that an apology was accepted; Eduardo, however, could not remember Taylor's visit or even the tackle.Some cite the incident as a cause of Arsenal failing to maintain their lead in the Premier League title race that season

3) Owen Hargreaves, born 1981 in Canada, he played for European GiantsBayern Munich and Manchester United, winning four Bundesliga titles, two Champions League titles and one Premier League title. He suffered from severe and recurring knee injuries throughout his career, primarily patellar tendinitis.These injuries significantly impacted his playing time, leading to multiple surgeries and ultimately, an early retirement.

4) Jack Wilshere, (born1992)former professional player who played as a midfielder. He was most recently the interim head coach ofEFL Championship club Norwich City. 

Wilshere came up throughArsenal's youth academy and made his first-team debut in 2008, becoming Arsenal's youngest league debutant at the age of 16 years, 256 days. He earned a number of accolades including thePFA Young Player of the Year award, selection to the 2010–11PFA Team of the Year, and Arsenal's Player of the Season award. After leaving Arsenal in 2018, Wilshere joinedWest Ham United where he remained for two years before departing by mutual consent. He then had short spells atAFC Bournemouth and AGF, before announcing his retirement from playing in 2022.

Wilshere appeared 34 times for theEngland national team, having previously represented his country at under-age levels. He made his debut for the senior team against Hungary at the age of 18 years and 222 days, making him the 12th-youngest debutant for England. He represented England at the2014 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2016.

     His career was plagued by  injuries, preventing him from reaching his full potential.  

5) David Busst ( born 1967), English football manager and former professional player who played as a centre-back from 1992 until 1996.

Having started his career with non-League Moor Green, he moved toPremier Leagues Coventry City in 1992. Having made over 50 appearances for the Sky Blues, he suffered a broken leg during a match withManchester United in 1996 which ended his career. His injury is often considered the worst in the history of the Premier League.

He suffered compound fractures to his tibia and fibula as his right leg was snapped when he was caught between Manchester United players Denis Irwin and Brian McClair. Busst's career ended after the incident at Old Trafford in 1996 and he needed 26 operations to save his leg.

Sports can cause a variety of injuries and pain due to impact, overuse, or improper technique.Common injuries include sprains, strains, and fractures, which can range from mild to severe.Symptoms like pain, swelling, and restricted movement can indicate an injury, and it's crucial to address these promptly to prevent further damage.

Common sports injuries and their causes.

Sprains and Strains:Sprains involve damage to ligaments, while strains affect muscles and tendons.These are often caused by twisting, overstretching, or sudden movements during sports.

Fractures:Bone breaks can result from falls, direct impacts, or repetitive stress (stress fractures).

Contusions (Bruises):These occur when blood vessels rupture under the skin due to impact.

Dislocations:Joints can be displaced from their normal position due to injury.

Tendinitis:Inflammation of tendons, often from overuse or improper technique.

Concussions:Traumatic brain injuries caused by impact to the head, common in contact sports.

Muscle Injuries:Strains, tears, and soreness can occur from overexertion or inadequate warm-up.

Impact and Contact Injuries: injuries from impact or contact with objects, surfaces, or other people can result in cuts, bruising, head injuries, and more serious injuries like spinal injuries or fractures.

Contact sports like football, rugby, and hockey have a higher risk of injuries due to collisions.

Overuse Injuries: repeated stress on muscles, tendons, and joints can lead to overuse injuries like tendinitis or stress fractures.

Improper training techniques, inadequate rest, and overtraining are common contributing factors.

Symptoms to Watch For:

Pain, swelling, and tenderness in the injured area.

Restricted movement or stiffness.

Bruising or discoloration.

Visible deformity in the case of fractures or dislocations.

Seeking Help: minor injuries can often be treated at home with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE).

Severe injuries, such as fractures, dislocations, or head injuries, require immediate medical attention.

Consult a healthcare professional for persistent or worsening pain, or if symptoms don't improve with home treatment.

Age – in the sport I call life - offers wisdom. It also tends to bring pain. C’est la vie.