Boot-stud injuries

Boot-stud injuries may either be caused by contact with the stud of another person’s boot or as a result of the stud sticking in the ground when a player is moving.

The first type of boot-stud injury is common in rugby and football and is generally caused when one person’s boot comes into contact with another person’s body. Usually boot-stud injuries affect the leg or foot. Studs are regulated in professional sport to ensure they are safe, but may not be controlled in amateur sport; this increases the likelihood of an accident occurring.

The second type of boot-stud injury occurs when a player tries to move and their studs get stuck in the ground; this causes the players body to continue moving while their foot is still planted to the ground; this commonly results in damage to the ligaments and tendons in the hips, knees or ankles and may also cause bone fractures.

Examples of boot-stud injuries

The most common injuries caused by studs are cuts and bruises; usually these heal quickly and will not require medical treatment. Injuries caused by a stud getting stuck into the ground commonly include ligament, cartilage and tendon strain or tears, fractured bones and dislocation.

Treating boot-stud injuries

Cuts and bruises usually heal quickly and can generally be treated with anti-bacterial rinse and plasters; more serious cuts may need to be stitched or glued. Ligament, cartilage and tendon damage is often more serious and will usually result in a player being out for some time. During this time the affected area should be rested and treated with regular ice compressions, anti-inflammatory medication and analgesics. If the damage is extensive and complex, surgery may be required.

Fractures will generally be treated by resting and immobilising the affected bone for a period of time in addition to taking regular pain relief and anti-inflammatory medicines. Dislocated joints will require hospital treatment to re-position the joint and set it in the correct place. Generally, physiotherapy will be recommended for all cases involving damaged tendons, ligaments, bones and joints; this will help to rebuild strength and improve movement.

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