Chronic pain in the ligaments of Stoke City defender Ryan Shawcross led the player to seek a slightly unorthodox form of treatment.

The Sun notes that he opted to have sugar injected into his knees in order to try and relive the discomfort.

According to the publication, the dextrose solution helped him by strengthening the joints in his ligaments.

It concluded by noting that another slightly unusual substance - goat blood - has also seemingly helped St Johnstone striker Peter Macdonald.

The paper said that he has now "returned to form" after having the liquid injected into his hamstring, which was injured.

People keen to stick to tried-and-tested methods of dealing with their sports injuries could find that ultrasound equipment such as Ultralieve Pro aids them in their mission to become fighting fit once more.

The waves emitted by the devices promote healing by penetrating deep into the tissue and stimulating muscles, ligaments and tendons.