Football injuries similar among pros and amateurs
Tiago Simões Leite, from Medplus, points to the main causes of sports injuries: competitive overload, inadequate recovery, and muscular deficits
As the final stage of the UEFA Champions League, ending on May 30, and the approach of the FIFA World Cup, beginning on June 11, reignite discussions about the physical impact of the football calendar on professional players, physician Tiago Simões Leite emphasizes that “the routine of competitive overload, inadequate recovery, and muscular deficits continues to form the most critical triad in the risk of injuries, even among elite athletes.”
According to Tiago Simões Leite, the routine of recreational or “weekend” athletes carries similar risks, although on a different scale, mainly because most alternate long periods of sedentary behavior with intense and sudden physical effort. This pattern contributes to strains, sprains, and joint overload, especially when there is no regular strengthening, proper warm-up, or professional supervision. The combination of irregular training, lack of muscular preparation, and a rushed return after minor pain creates a favorable scenario for injuries, Simões Leite warns.
The connection with Medplus’ work is direct, as the risky behavior observed among recreational athletes translates into real demands for the medical teams managed by the company in hospitals across the country. “When someone alternates a sedentary routine with intense football matches, they tend to accumulate microinjuries, joint overload, and muscle pain that often only reach medical care once they have already progressed into more complex conditions,” analyzes Tiago Simões Leite.
In this context, Medplus’ role in managing the work of medical professionals, including specialized orthopedic physicians, makes a difference. In addition to organizing shifts for surgical teams, there is also a strong focus on encouraging doctors to share injury prevention information with the community during patient interactions. During consultations, the goal is early diagnosis and ensuring a safe return to activities. “Doctors receive many cases of common recreational football injuries, such as ankle sprains, ligament injuries, muscle ruptures, and meniscus problems, offering surgical treatment when necessary, as well as rehabilitation protocols and patient education,” highlights Tiago Simões Leite.
By understanding the factors that increase risks among non-professional athletes, physician Tiago Simões Leite reinforces his commitment to programs that encourage continuous care, proper strengthening, and safer sports practices. With the World Cup approaching, the topic is also gaining relevance for companies seeking well-being and performance strategies. As Tiago Simões Leite concludes, “load balance and personalized prevention continue to be the greatest allies against injuries, both on and off the field.”
Specialties
MedPlus handles everything from medical staff scheduling and the management of materials and supplies to the selection of professionals required for patient care in 57 medium- and high-complexity healthcare units across Brazil. These facilities provide free care through Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS) and together account for 5,000 hospital beds and 12,000 healthcare professionals.
