A simple yet tricky question; metatarsal injuries in football

[ralphowilson]

Hi guys,

I'm new to the forum so hello all! I'm currently doing a bit of research into metatarsal injuries in football to assess whether they are indeed on the rise. All I'm looking for is some data on football injuries by type and season (or year, or whatever) to see if this suggested trend is true.. BUT I can't find any such data anywhere!
It's the kind of thing I thought would be easily found on the internet but it's elluded me so far! Does anyone have any ideas? Or are there just no records of this kind of thing available?

Thanks very much in advance!!

Ralph

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[karen.hankey]

Hi Ralph,

Have you considered contacting the numerous football clubs to see their data. Most will keep this, especially high level. I'm sure a uni colleague of mine did this as part of her dissertation, not sure if it was for metatarsal injuries though

[colinmclelland]

If you speak with the FA they have data that they have collected from all scottish and english football clubs over recent years. They are doing studies regards this - t is a good idea if you go to the fa conferance - may be of inetest for you

[Gav]

if I may.....having played football for the past 40 years ( I know, I should stop...)....got to take the boot manufacture into account. Go back 20 years and you simply could not bend a boot in two if you pushed the heel and the toe. These days it can be done easily. I tend to think that the boot is bending in tackles and the foot has no choice but to go with it.

Imagine kicking a table leg barefoot and in hiking boots and you'll see the difference.

[karen.hankey]

if I may.....having played football for the past 40 years ( I know, I should stop...)....got to take the boot manufacture into account. Go back 20 years and you simply could not bend a boot in two if you pushed the heel and the toe. These days it can be done easily. I tend to think that the boot is bending in tackles and the foot has no choice but to go with it.

Imagine kicking a table leg barefoot and in hiking boots and you'll see the difference.

I agree with you Gav that the foot is not as protected. There is also a theory out there that it is to do with the layout of the studs i.e. they don't have the same number on each side therefore altering the biomechanics.

Problem being that most professional footballers are sponsored to wear particular boots, wether they are correct for them or not and its very hard top get them to change.

I remember when I was at a club, a boot company brought along their new design for the players to try out. The ones that opted to (and this was just for training) all ended up with soreness due to the boots. Players need to realise that they need to look after their feet and put them in the correct boot, not just a fashionable one or one with a huge chunk of money attached.

[Gav]

I know a couple of Prem footballers, and these lads like the boot to fit very tight so they 'can feel the shot' when they hit the ball. Trouble is feet expand when hot so if they are already wearing a half size too small then bones are going to get compressed.

....and they still get paid when out injured....

[Pozzoli]

Hello Ralph,
Hope this could help. Besides being a therapist I am also a Pedorthist in the states. Your concerns in finding viable data is somewhat a mystery if you where to ask the private sector (ie: footwear manufacturers, professional clubs).
My recommendations is try to contact German Orthopedic Technicians. These technicians have numerous years of schooling verses a Pedothist like myself. Their input is well respected in the worldwide Orthopedic footwear industries and most likely they would have answers to your questions.....I reside in the states and I have presented topics in Leipzig, Germany regarding orthopedic footwear in the USA. I was impressed with their advances in footwear. Unfortunately I don't have web-links to these schools in Germany. Good-Luck and please stay in touch; let me know if you are able to find answers from them....
regards