Can being kicked in the abdomen by a football cause internal injuries?

Mar 26, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Feng
Introduction
If the abdomen is struck by a football with significant force, causing severe abdominal pain, it may indicate internal organ damage or bleeding due to strong impact, such as rupture of the liver or spleen; in such cases, internal injuries are usually present. However, if the impact from the football is mild and only results in a bruise without severe pain, serious complications are unlikely, and internal injuries generally do not occur.

Being kicked in the abdomen by a football may cause internal injuries, or it may not; generally, the extent of injury depends on the force absorbed by the abdomen.

1. Yes (internal injury may occur)

If the impact from the football to the abdomen is strong, causing severe abdominal pain, it may indicate internal organ damage or bleeding due to the intense trauma, such as rupture of the liver or spleen. In such cases, internal injuries are usually present.

2. No (internal injury unlikely)

If the impact from the football to the abdomen is relatively mild and only results in a bruise without severe pain, significant complications are unlikely, and internal injuries generally do not occur.

After such incidents, patients are advised to promptly visit a hospital for appropriate examinations to determine the severity of the injury and receive suitable treatment accordingly.