The Ref Stop

Might be injured...

A

alexv

RefChat Addict
Level 5 Referee
Recently been feeling a little bit of pain after my games in the area just below my knee at the very top of my shin (almost at the joint but not quite). I had a brilliant game tonight; semi final with 2 pens and a few yellows which went really well. I felt the same pain and I’ve got a game tomorrow as well. Although it isn’t too bad at the moment, is it worth phoning the doctors’ just so I don’t turn this minor pain into something bad? Any advice?

EDIT: I can run on it and I sort of forget about it. Mainly I just don’t wanna turn something minor into something bad
 
The Ref Stop
Go to a sports physio.

(I get dull pain just below the right knee. I’m not going to pretend I know how to explain knee mechanics. And your case is unique to you. The answer for me is warming up and training with a lot of different lunges, especially where you lunge and then straighten the forward leg repeatedly. I do it already in the changing room ;))
 
santa sangria said:
Go to a sports physio.

(I get dull pain just below the right knee. I’m not going to pretend I know how to explain knee mechanics. And your case is unique to you. The answer for me is warming up and training with a lot of different lunges, especially where you lunge and then straighten the forward leg repeatedly. I do it already in the changing room ;))
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i agreee a physio is who you need to see most gps would refer you to a physio, check with your ra
 
My RA’s physiotherapy policy is that the injury has to keep you off work and seeing as I lost my job recently... How much is physio from your experience?
 
I'm not sure of your age but after a long amateur career (and a bit higher) in sports, injuries are a fact of life. Also a fact of life is that when you have an injury, unless you want to go private at considerable expense, if you can run and manage to ignore it then I wouldn't bother having it looked at. You won't get a scan in all probability, you will be told to rest and come back If it gets worse. I know there will be many on here who will advise that you get it seen but unless it's bad (and it certainly doesn't sound it) you will get pain management and that's it, and you don't need any of that from your post.

If you've got minor ligament damage, then you'll find it very difficult to get your leg moving in the morning and maybe some swelling and pain. There's no operation, no physio required, you just have to avoid making it worse. If you had anything worse then you wouldn't be running around. If you had any damage around the knee you'd have swelling and bruising etc.

The fact of the matter is if it isn't broken or torn then it's RICE. If it feels like you need to rest it then do so, if it doesn't then carry on. Footballers who playbteice a week and train are rarely pain free but there's nothing you can do apart from either play on or rest up and that choice is yours.

If you're recovering from a serious injury or have persistent muscle injuries the I thoroughly recommend a sports physio. Doesn't sound like you do though so save your money.

Crack on...
 
alexv said:
My RA’s physiotherapy policy is that the injury has to keep you off work and seeing as I lost my job recently... How much is physio from your experience?
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They're cheap for private healthcare. Consultation is usually anywhere around £30-50 depending who you go to.

Do get it checked though, knee injuries are not something you want to ignore. Deep Freeze might help in your rest period, but get checking just in case you're overdoing it.
 
RobOda said:
They're cheap for private healthcare. Consultation is usually anywhere around £30-50 depending who you go to.

Do get it checked though, knee injuries are not something you want to ignore. Deep Freeze might help in your rest period, but get checking just in case you're overdoing it.
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When I was younger I went to the hospital for two days with my knee and they never found out what it was. Almost certain it’s unrelated but I’m scared it is. Might just cough up to be on the safe side
 
Qualified sports physio that understands the mechanics of your activities can assess, advise, treat, monitor and generally plan your recovery personal to you.

I don’t get why anyone would recommend a GP for sports-related muscle/joint etc. mgmt.

(Where I am I get 45mins for 50€ with a guy that treats footballers, understands how I’ve ended up so brittle from poorly prepared hobby playing etc blah)
 
I just don’t want to waste my money on it being nothing. I guess it’s better doing that though than just risking it and overdoing it to the point where I turn it into something serious, should I call the doctors or go straight to a physio?
 
Physio before the doctor for something like this. It could be over exertion or inappropriate footwear - lack of arch support for example. If it interferes with your daily routine - can’t walk, can’t drive, struggle to put socks on etc, then it’s definitely time for the doctor.
 
Woke up in the middle of the night and both knees were really hurting (great). In the morning they feel fairly bad, think I’m going to do this game and then look for treatment or whatever this week. Do you recommend a physio consultation before the doctors or the other way round?
 
Go to the physio. Doctors really are not great for sports related injuries as it is not their specialism
 
Was thinking about not doing the game but I’m so glad I did! Linesman from the losing team told me that it was the best refereeing performance he’s seen for 2 seasons which was really nice! Definitely going to do something about it though because I don’t want it to ruin my refereeing career already 😂
 
I get pain just below my knee and put it down to not being fit enough, not warming up properly and wearing the wrong footwear. I've reduced the number of matches I do each weekend and have put some gel inserts into my boots, this has helped massively. Aim to have a rest once the season is over then prepare for the season correctly. There may be a few ice packs along the way too.
 
Check out your local RAs and colleges, often they do physiotherapy for cheap.

Buy a knee support as well, better safe than sorry.

And most importantly, find comfortable footwear. If you have footwear which is uncomfortable, chances are you are putting unnecessary stress on your legs and ankles, which can often be a factor.
 
Many big cities have a physiotherapy college so if cost is an issue you can often get seen by someone at one of those at a heavily reduced rate assuming you are willing to be a guinea pig.

Get it checked out would be my advice. I probably wrote the book on injuries and soldiered through them without getting the proper help, and I now face long term problems as a result.
 
RustyRef said:
Many big cities have a physiotherapy college so if cost is an issue you can often get seen by someone at one of those at a heavily reduced rate assuming you are willing to be a guinea pig.

Get it checked out would be my advice. I probably wrote the book on injuries and soldiered through them without getting the proper help, and I now face long term problems as a result.
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I think I’ll get it checked out. Using ibuprofen which seems to help. It mainly hurts with small movements like when I’m in bed and move or when I move my leg up like if I’m doing my laces. Like you said, I don’t wanna end up regretting it when I’m a bit older
 
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