Prevalence and Risk Factors of Lower Limb Injuries in Football Players in Peshawar: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Sport-related ankle and lower limb injuries are notably prevalent among football players. This study investigates the extent and determinants of these injuries among club-affiliated football players in Peshawar, focusing on various playing conditions and personal health metrics. Objective: To ascertain the prevalence and identify key risk factors associated with lower limb injuries in football players in Peshawar. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 240 male football players aged 10-40 years from five sports clubs in Peshawar using convenience sampling. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 28. Results: The overall prevalence of injuries was 53.3%, with 128 players reporting injuries. The ankle was the most commonly injured site, accounting for 56.3% of injuries (n=72/128). Muscle injuries were reported by 43.8% of the injured participants (n=56/128). The majority of injuries (72.7%) occurred at Islamia University Peshawar. The role most associated with injuries was goalkeepers, with a 57.9% injury rate, and the most common context for injuries was during tackling (24.2%). Conclusion: The study highlights a high prevalence of lower limb injuries among football players, with the ankle being the most affected area. Significant risk factors include inadequate hydration during and outside of training sessions and inappropriate footwear.