Footcare is an important issue within sport— your feet support you, so it is vital that you also support them. We have a wide variety of products available to ensure that your feet remain healthy and that you can continue training, playing and making progress. An issue with your feet can have wide-r

The two injuries are very alike, and this is what causes a confusing overlap between the two. A simple way to destining between the two is that a tendon attaches a muscle to bone whereas a ligament attaches bone to bone.   However, both injuries have similar symptoms, and this is what causes mo

A calf strain is an injury which occurs when the muscle at the back of the lower leg becomes damaged or inflamed due to excessive strain or force being placed on the calf muscle. The most common cause of a calf strain is through overuse of the muscle, particularly in sports which involve a high

Buying a Knee brace be it your first or a replacement is a daunting process. Knee braces come in several different shapes and sizes, as well as offering different levels of support it is difficult to be sure what brace is right for you and your injury. Therefore, here at Firsatid4sport we have prod

Shin splints, medically known as Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS) if bone related and Exertional Compartment Syndrome (ECS) if muscle related is a common injury in runners, the causes are widely debated however studies suggest a combination of methods to help treat and prevent this injury. Bone

How do you know if you have damaged your ligament or your tendon? Well to be honest the reason there is such a confusing overlap of what is what and where, is because the two are very alike. The simplest way to put it is that tendons attach muscle to bone and ligaments attach bone to bone. Sounds si

Biceps - the muscles located at the front of the upper arm, extending from the elbow, upwards to the shoulder. A torn or strained bicep, is an injury most often to the bicep tendon. The tendons at either end of the muscle can be torn, however, it is much more common for the tendon that attaches to t

Wrist pain is often experienced through discomfort in the wrist or upper hand area and is commonly caused by a number of injuries, including sprains and/or fractures. Carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis and repetitive motion can also lead to wrist pain. Although small, the human wrist is made up of ei

Motocross was developed from motorcycle competitions in the early 1900s in the UK. Motocross is riding a specially designed motorcycle, called a motocross bike, on a closed course, consisting of a variety of terrain; uphill’s, downhill’s, corners, jumps, etc. If you are racing, it is ove

What is Trochanteric Bursitis Hip? Trochanteric bursitis hip, is an overuse injury at the hip which is common in runners. Bursitis is a trochanteric (trochanteric refers to either of two knobs at the top of the femur, serving for the attachment of muscles between the thigh and pelvis.) hip burs

The urban dictionary defines glass ankles as: An injury prone ankle with the structural integrity of a house of cards on a bouncy castle. Glass ankles is essentially a slang term for someone who is prone to ankle twist and sprains, a simple trip or stumble can lead to the ankle giving way, this

Tight calf muscle symptoms tend to come on gradually and get worse while exercising (often during running). Sometime they will improve during the run, and other times only improve when the muscles cool down. This is a common problem in athletes particularly runners. The reasons for the calf muscles

Many of us will have experienced a back injury at some point in our lives, and most can testify as to how painful it can be. It’s not unusual to adopt a trial and error method to relieve the pain. Two of the most popular methods of alleviating pain is through heating and / or cooling the area

What are the Causes of Golfers Elbow? Golfer’s elbow occurs when the soft tissue or muscles at the front of the forearm (flexors) responsible for extending the wrist and fingers, become inflamed or damaged. As its name suggests this injury is very common in golfers due to the nature of the rep

Most often, the patella will shift excessively towards the outside of your leg, however, in some cases although less common; it is possible for it to shift towards the inside. The knee joint is a hinge which connects the tibia and fibula of your leg with your femur. The kneecap is held in its natura

  What Is Plantar Fasciitis? Plantar Fasciitis is sustained when the Plantar Fascia becomes inflamed and usually occurs at the point in which your heel attaches to the tissue. Plantar Fascia is the band of tissue that stretches from your heel to the bones found in the middle of your foot, actin

Easter is a great time to enjoy skiing, making the most of the better weather, taking advantage of the last of the ski season. Easter is the perfect time to enjoy a skiing getaway with family and children or equally just with friends. If you are the type of person who wants to ski whilst enjoying t

There is no doubting that the Donjoy Armor is an amazing piece of kit is invaluable for ACL injuries. However, it can seem awkward to fit at first. This video takes you through the fitting process that you would go through if you booked a fitting with us. This video covers: How to measure before yo

Choosing a knee brace can be difficult and confusing. Lots of technical language is thrown around with little or no explanation of what it actually means, or advice on which would really work best for you and your injuries. Hinged knee braces provide the best support, however, did you know that ther

What is arthritis? Arthritis is a condition characterised by a degenerative process whereby there is gradual wear and tear to the cartilage and bone surfaces of a joint with subsequent inflammation. Arthritis of the knee may occur following a specific injury or due to repetitive impact through the k

Anyone who horse rides will know just how hard the sport is on your knees. However, the logistics of the sport makes protecting the knees very difficult with problems such as tight fitting clothing, the need for a complete range of motion, and most importantly the fact that most of us would rather s

Confused about whether to use hot or cold therapy? We make it easy. The hot vs cold therapy debate can seem complicated, so here are 4 simple rules to follow: Cold Therapy DO - Use Cold Therapy immediately after an injury to reduce swelling and inflammation. DON'T - Use Cold Therapy on stiff m

SUMMARY Causes: High force or weight through the wrist Falling on an outstretched arm onto a hard surface Common in skateboarding, snowboarding and skiing Symptoms: Pain in the wrist at the point of injury Swelling and aching in the area Reduced grip and strength in the wrist Treatment

SUMMARY Causes: Sudden quick movement of the neck Heavy lifting Poor posture Symptoms: Severe lower neck pain Inability to move the neck Pain felt most in the morning Pain may spread to the shoulder and arm Headaches Treatment: RICE method Rest Physiotherapy Stretching and strengthening exerci

SUMMARY Causes: Repeated injury to the ear caused by friction or impact Common in contact sports such as rugby boxing and wrestling Symptoms: Pain in the ear at the point of injury Swelling and bruising of the ear Ear appears deformed and abnormal Loss of hearing and disorientation from s

SUMMARY Causes: Over-bending in the end of the finger causing damage to the tendon Attempting to catch a fast ball common in sports such as baseball, basketball and cricket Symptoms: Pain and swelling in the finger Finger remains bent with an inability to straighten the finger Treatment:

SUMMARY Causes: High force or weight through the wrist Falling on an outstretched arm onto a hard surface Common in skateboarding, snowboarding and skiing Overuse injury Symptoms: Pain in the wrist at the point of injury Stiffness aching in the wrist Swelling and aching in the area Redu

What is Wry Neck? Wry neck usually occurs as a result of sudden quick movement of the neck causing the disc in the neck to slip out of place. This can be whilst heavy lifting, bending, of twisting or of the neck. Wry neck can also occur as a result of overuse injury from poor posture, excessive cra

What is Hamstring Tendonitis? Hamstring tendonitis is an injury that occurs when the tendon becomes damaged or inflamed due to excessive strain or force being placed on the tendon. The Hamstring tendon is the soft tissue that connects the hamstring muscle to the outer aspect of the knee. Causes

SUMMARY Causes: Excessive or awkward heavy lifting, pushing or pulling Falling onto an out-stretched arm Overuse injury commonly seen in throwing and racquet sports such as cricket, baseball and tennis Symptoms: Sudden or gradual onset of pain deep in the shoulder joint Patient may feel a tearin

What Is A Dislocated Shoulder? Dislocation of the shoulder occurs when the connective tissues in the shoulder joint and surrounding area become damaged or inflamed causing the bones at the joint to become displaced due to high force or strain being placed on the area. Causes Force to the shoulder

SUMMARY Causes: Excessive bending, lifting and twisting Overuse injury Poor Posture Symptoms: Sudden or gradual onset of pain in the back and spine Pain when resuming activity Weakness, aching and stiffness in the area Pain may be felt in the chest, rib cage or shoulder blade Treatment: RICE m

SUMMARY Causes Sudden large force or pressure to the hamstring Overuse injury common in running and jumping activities Excessive speed changing whilst running Insufficient warm up exercise Poor core strength Symptoms Sudden sharp pain or pulling sensation at back of the thigh at point of

SUMMARY Causes: Damage to the shoulder joint and surrounding tissues Insufficient rest time between activity Excessive immobility after an injury Overuse injury Symptoms: Restricted movement of the shoulder Dull, aching pain in shoulder Difficulty with activities such as getting dressed, brushin

What is a Knee Sprain? A sprained knee is an injury which can be experienced by feeling a pain in the knee area of the leg. Symptoms of a knee sprain include swelling, pain, stiffness or buckling. There are a number of causes of a sprained knee including falls and injuries incurred during physical a

SUMMARY Causes: Hereditary thin vertebrae Hyperextension of the back such as excessive bending, lifting and twisting Overuse injury seen in sports such as weightlifting, gymnastics, throwing sports Symptoms: Sudden or gradual onset of lower back pain Pain when resuming activity Treatmen

What is Runners Knee? Runner’s knee occurs when the kneecap (patella) becomes out of alignment preventing it from smoothly sliding up and down the groove in the femur. Owing to its name, this injury is one of the most common amongst long-distance runners. Causes Overpronation Weakness or imba

SUMMARY Causes Sudden contraction of the groin muscles Inadequate warm-up Common in sports which require rapid acceleration and jumping Symptoms Sudden onset of pain in the groin and inner thigh Pain when resuming activity Swelling, weakness and tightness in the groin Treatment RICE m

What is T4 Syndrome? T4 syndrome occurs when the T4 vertebrate in the spine is damaged and causes pain in the arm. The vertebrae bones which make up the spine are named T1 to T12 from top to bottom. Between each of these vertebrae lie the facet joints and discs which help support the weight and con

SUMMARY Causes Overuse injury Twisting force or direct impact to the knee Rapid direction changes Tackling, collisions and falls (common in football and rugby) Landing from a jump Symptoms Popping sensation and pain in the knee Pain at the inner aspect of the knee Swelling and inflammat

SUMMARY Causes Can be sudden impact or overuse injury Twisting force or hyperextension the knee Rapid direction changes Tackling, collisions and falls (common in football and rugby) Symptoms Popping sensation and pain in the knee Pain at the inner aspect of the knee Swelling and inflamma

SUMMARY Causes Overuse injury Twisting force or direct impact to the knee Rapid direction changes Tackling, collisions and falls (common in football and rugby) Symptoms Popping sensation and pain in the knee Pain at the inner aspect of the knee Swelling and inflammation Inability to bear

SUMMARY Causes Overuse injury Twisting force or direct impact to the knee Rapid direction changes Tackling, collisions and falls (common in football and rugby) Landing from a jump Symptoms Popping sensation and pain in the knee Pain at the inner aspect of the knee Swelling and inflammati

SUMMARY Causes Violent over-twisting of the knee Lower leg forced forward Common in skiing Sudden change of direction Symptoms Audible pop sound at time of the injury Minor tears - slight pain at start, increasing Swelling and stiffness Unnatural movement of knee joint Major tears - leg will not

SUMMARY Causes Overuse injury common in running activities Poor biomechanics such as pronation or supination Increased activity levels Symptoms Pain and tightness at the front of the lower leg Pain when resuming activity Weakness, aching and stiffness in the area Lumps or thickness in th

SUMMARY Causes Repetitive or prolonged activity Frequent jumping and landing – particularly on hard surface Rapid acceleration while running Poor footwear Playing or training on an unhealed injury Symptoms Aching or stiffness above or below the knee cap Pain directly over the Patellar Te

SUMMARY Causes Overuse injury common in running and jumping activities Poor biomechanics Tightness in the calf muscles Poor footwear Symptoms Sudden pain in the inner part of the shin Pain when resuming activity Inability to bear weight on the injury Swelling and inflammation Aching and

What Is A Calf Strain? A calf strain is an injury that occurs when the muscle at the back of the lower leg becomes damaged or inflamed due to excessive strain or force being placed on the calf muscle. Causes Sudden large force or pressure to the calf Overuse injury common in running and ju

What is PTTD? PTTD stands for Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction. The posterior tibial tendon is located in the inside of the ankle and is used as one of the main supports of the foot and arch. PTTD occurs when this tendon becomes damaged and is no longer able to support the arch, resulting in a fl

SUMMARY Causes Impact or excessive pressure or weight placed on the talus bone Often due to underlying injuries or combination of injuries i.e. ankle/foot sprain Common in sports requiring running and jumping Overuse injury Symptoms Surge of pain in the ankle at the point of injury Inability

What Is A Sprained Ankle? A sprained ankle occurs when an excessive amount of pressure is placed on the ligaments in the ankle which they are unable to cope with, causing damage and tearing to the soft tissue. The severity of the injury can range from a partial tear to a complete rupture. A common

SUMMARY Causes Ligaments in the ankle becoming thick Repeated ankle injury Repeated upwards kicking action Symptoms Pain in the front of the ankle joint especially when bending the foot A bone-like lump at the front of the ankle Clicking sensation in the ankle Treatment Rest Surgery

SUMMARY Causes High force or impact to the ankle or heel Fast acceleration from a stationary position Usually seen in patients between 30-40 Symptoms Sudden pain in the heel and back of the ankle at the point of injury An audible ‘snap’ in the heel Increased pain levels in activity Swelli

For those planning to hit the slopes this winter, we thought we’d dedicate this post to one of the most common injuries amongst the ski enthusiasts – the skiers thumb. What many people don’t realise is just how much we rely on our thumb for most hand movements, gripping and simply

What is Peroneal Tendonitis? Peroneal tendonitis occurs when an excessive amount of tension is put on the soft tissue causing the tendons to become damaged. The peroneal muscles are the group of muscles located in the lower leg found between the fibula to other bones in the outside of the leg. These

SUMMARY Causes Overuse injury Sudden increase in activity levels Symptoms Pain in the heel especially during activity Pain may spread to the toes Swelling and redness over the back of the heels Treatment RICE method Anti-inflammatory medications Ultrasound treatment Physiotherapy Or

What is a Dislocated Ankle? A dislocated ankle is damage or tearing of the soft tissue occurring due to a sudden force in the ankle causing it to flex outside the range of its normal movement. When this happens, the bones can move out of their normal position within the foot causing dislocation.

SUMMARY Causes Sudden impact to the toe Playing on hard, artificial surfaces Excessive bending and stretching of the toe Ill supporting shoes Symptoms Sudden pain in the big toe Sometimes a ‘popping’ sensation is felt on impact Pain and swelling in the toe when bending or stretching Swelling and

Could this discovery improve ACL injury recovery times? Theo Walcott is the latest premier league star to be struck down with the dreaded ACL injury. This is devastating news for the young Arsenal and England player with the 2014 world cup fast approaching. Walcott has been ruled out for six months,

With the days getting chillier and winter on its way, we know that many of you will be itching to grab the skis and head for the slopes. But of course, with anything fun it comes with risks and a likelihood of injury. So that’s why were dedicating this post to the top 5 skiing injuries to keep you s

We enjoy playing our favourite sport but unfortunately once the fun is over we go back to our 9 to 5’s and sit in our office looking forward for the next kick-about. Here at Firstaid4sport we are the sports injury know-it-alls. We can tell you all about how to prevent injury in rugby, keep out

SUMMARY Causes Overpronation Fallen arch (flat feet) Previous injury i.e. ankle sprain causing compression of the nerve Underlying health issues such as diabetes or arthritis Symptoms Burning pain in the foot arch, heel and toes Pins and needles sensation Numbness Treatment RICE method Rest Br

What Is A Broken Metatarsal? A broken metatarsal is a broken bone in the foot. The metatarsal bones are the group of five long bones in the mid/front of the foot which connect to the toes. These are numbered first – fifth metatarsal starting with the big toe. A metatarsal stress fracture comes as a

Following the success of our Taping Guide App (available for free on Google Play and iTunes), we have now made the entire taping guide available on our website and YouTube. The guide features over 40 step-by-step instructions and videos showing a wide range of sports taping techniques, organised by

Getting into sports from a young age is a great thing and can set the tone for being fit and healthy for the rest of your life. As with all sports though, there is a risk of injury and leading public health doctors have warned a government drive to boost participation in Rugby in schools risk more c

Anyone who watched the Chelsea v Arsenal game last weekend won’t forget the collision between Chelsea midfielder Oscar, and Arsenal goalkeeper Ospina in a hurry. The collision was hard, and Oscar looked clearly dazed and confused as a result of the impact, showing sure signs of concussion such as th

American football is becoming more and more prevalent in the UK now, due partly to the NFL being held at Wembley Stadium and as a result of this more and more people are starting to play the game as well as enjoying as a spectator. One search on YouTube will show you a compilation of some pretty bru

Overuse injury is one of the most common injuries seen in sports. No matter whether your a sports professional or simply a once-a-weeker, you are not only at risk of sustaining a chronic injury but no matter how frequently you play you are in danger of causing further, long term damage. The probl

1. Discover the reason behind your pain So your knee hurts when you run, but why? Recognising what's causing your pain is the first step to avoiding it and treating it. With any serious or long lasting pain you should always see your doctor, but for minor aches and pains that only flare up on occasi

Knee injuries are one of the most common injuries in football and can be caused by crunching tackles or the fast-paced cutting and turning manoeuvres carried out by players. So, to be more confident in your joint's stability and to get back on the pitch as soon as possible many people will wear a kn

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is a feeling that I’m sure we have all had at one time or another. It’s the feeling of muscle pain, soreness or stiffness, which occurs in the day or two after exercise. The soreness most commonly occurs if you start a new exercise regime, change your current rou

Could this discovery improve ACL injury recovery times? Theo Walcott is the latest premier league star to be struck down with the dreaded ACL injury. This is devastating news for the young Arsenal and England player with the 2014 world cup fast approaching. Walcott has been ruled out for six months,

When it comes to sports injuries, it's amazing how many myths, half truths and fabrications exist. Although many of these myths are simple misunderstandings, when it comes to your health and safety it's important that you don’t pick up bad habits and end up causing yourself damage as a result of not

PRICE - The protocol for immediate treatment of injury The PRICE regime (formally RICE) is a simple 5 step protocol that even somebody who is not trained in first aid can use to minimise the effects of immediate injury. The earlier the PRICE regime is adopted, the better. The PRICE regime should be

In todays working enviroment and the increase in technology we have become more seditary, doing less manual jobs and spending more time sitting down infront of computer screens. How many of us that have these kinds of jobs suffer from chronic back and neck pain and struggle to lose weight even thoug

A lateral collateral ligament (LCL) is one of the major ligaments found in the outer part of the knee which attaches the outer part of the thigh bone found at the knee, femur, to the outer side of the shin bone, tibia, to ensure knee stability. Lateral collateral ligament tears are common sport-rel

The talus is a small bone located in the ankle which is responsible for moving the ankle joint and transferring weight from the shin to the foot. A talus fracture will occur when an excessive amount of weight is placed on the talus.    Usually a talus fracture will occur after an excessive

The patellar tendon is the tendon around the knee which connects the kneecap to the shin bone. It works with the quadriceps muscles to support the motioning of straightening the knee. Patellar tendonitis occurs when this tendon and surrounding tissues become damaged or inflamed.   Patellar tend

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles which attaches from the shoulder blade to the humerus in the upper arm. It is designed to support the shoulder joint as well as aid with elevation and rotation movements. The rotator cuff is a commonly injured area, the most common injuries are strains, t

Knee injuries are one of the most common injuries in football and can be caused by crunching tackles or the fast-paced cutting and turning manoeuvres carried out by players. So, to be more confident in your joint's stability and to get back on the pitch as soon as possible many people will wear a kn

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in the UK, it causes pain and stiffness in the joints. So, what are the symptoms and causes of osteoarthritis and how can you treat it? Throughout day-to-day life your joint will be exposed to a constant level of damage, due to it being a low level

Turf toe occurs as a result of excessive bending of the big toe causing a sprain to the ligaments in the base of the toe in the ball of the foot. So, what exactly are the main causes of turf toe and how can you best treat and prevent the injury. This injury is common amongst athletes who perform on

Most of us will enjoy playing a sport in our spare time but unfortunately, we all must return to our jobs come Monday, but no one wants a work place injury to stop them competing in their sport in their spare time. Here at Firstaid4sport we specialise in sport medical supplies and can advise you on

Some parts of the body are more prone to injury than others, unfortunately one of those is the hamstring. Just like every type of injury to tissue in the body the more pressure it’s under the more likely there will be damage. The hamstring muscles are located on the back of your upper leg and at

With the clock going back, the temperatures dropping and Christmas around the corner thousands of people will be itching to grab their skis and head for the slopes. However, with skiing there are risks and a likelihood of injury.   So ahead of your trip this year be sure you know the five most

Wrist Pain is often experienced through discomfort in the wrist or the upper hand and is commonly caused by several injuries, such as sprains and fractures. Although small, the human wrist is made up of eight bones alongside ligaments, tendons and tissue. With all these components in such a small a

An ACL tear is a common sports injury affecting the knee and is characterised by the tearing of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament, which is an important structural stabiliser for the knee. A ligament is a strong bond of connective tissue which attaches bone to bone, the ACL is situated within the knee

The purpose of the hand wrap is simple, to protect the fighter’s hands and hand injuries put boxers out of action more than any other injury! The hands are up made of many delicate joints and bones that can easily be damaged when punching either training or during a fight. The purpose of the h

SUMMARY Causes Ligaments in the ankle becoming thick Repeated ankle injury Repeated upwards kicking action Symptoms Pain in the front of the ankle joint especially when bending the foot A bone-like lump at the front of the ankle Clicking sensation in the ankle Treatment Rest Surgery

Plantar fascia is the name for the ligament that connects your heel bone to your toes. It supports the arch of your foot and through overuse can very easily have micro tearing at the point of attachment to cause an excruciating heel pain. The pain caused by this tearing can begin to disappear on its

This J Taping step-by-step guide shows you how to protect the ACL ligament in the knee midway through rehabilitation and to prevent injury of it from reoccurring. Using: 2.5cm Zinc Oxide Tape 5cm EAB Step 1 Perform an anchor above and below the knee. Step 2 To perform the 'J' shape, tape down fro

This High Dye taping guide shows you how to prevent plantar fasciitis pain, repeated ankle sprains, ankle tendinitis, shin splints, fallen arches or calcaneal bursitis. You will need a single roll of tape to follow the four steps in this guide.  Using: 2.5cm Zinc Oxide Tape Step 1 An anchor i

This taping guide will show you how to provides support to the medial collateral ligament following injury or to support unstable knees, you will need two kinds of tape and there are seven steps in this guide. Using: 2.5cm Zinc Oxide Tape 5cm EAB Step 1 Apply two anchors of zinc oxide above and be

Welcome to our AC Joint Separation step-by-step taping guide, in this guide you will require just two tapes to follow the three steps in this guide. Using: 3.8cm Zinc Oxide Tape Dressing fixing tape Applied to prevent acromio clavicular pain, visible separation or limited shoulder range of movemen

Stress fractures are a common overuse injury seen in runners, jumpers and other athletes and are caused from repetitive loading without enough rest, with the majority of stress fractures occurring in the shin or foot.   A sudden point of pain in your leg or foot, alongside an increase in activi

A dislocation of the shoulder occurs when the connective tissues in the shoulder joint and surrounding area becomes damaged or inflamed causing the bones at the joint to become displaced due to high force or strain being placed on the area. The main cause of a dislocated shoulder is due to the s

A groin strain is a muscular tear or rupture to any one of your groin muscles, usually one of the hip adductor muscle group. Any of these groin muscles can be strained but the most common is adductor longus. A groin strain usually occurs with a high-seed activity such as kicking, sprinting or a sudd

Shin splints are a pain experienced in the front of the lower leg or shin, they are common amongst runners and those who put weight on their legs during extended physical activity. It is best to avoid physical activity such as running until the injury has fully recovered. Shin splints are often cau

A sprained ankle occurs when an excessive amount of pressure is placed on the ligaments in the ankle which they are unable to cope with causing damage and tearing to the soft tissue. The severity of the injury can range from a partial tear to a complete rupture.   A common cause of a sprained ank

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is pressure on a nerve in your wrist. It causes tingling, numbness and pain in your hand and fingers. There are several symptoms and causes and of carpal tunnel syndrome however it can be treated at home. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway on the palm side of your