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Activity: Soccer

Soccer is one of the most popular sports among youth and adults alike. This fast paced, highly athletic sport requires dedication and intense training from its participants. Soccer is a sport in which players run and change direction frequently which can lead to stress on the body. Whether you play for an organized team or enjoy playing recreationally there is always risk of injury. According the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, doctors treat more than 477,500 soccer related injuries each year.

Preventing Injury for Soccer

Here are some tips for how to avoid injury while playing soccer:
  • Safety first. Shin guards protect the lower leg which the most common place for soccer injuries to occur. Shin guards should be worn at every practice and game.
  • Warm up. Always warm up all the major muscle groups before playing. Muscles are more susceptible to injury when they are cold. Stretching should be done with warm muscles after or independent of activity, as stretching cold muscles also can cause unhealthy strain.
  • Protect your knees. Proper technique when jumping and changing directions can mean the difference between injury and a safe season. Maintain proper body alignment by keeping knees in line vertically with toes, and the distance from one foot to another should be the same as the distance between knees.
  • Conditioning. Building up leg muscles, especially hamstrings for females, and general strength is vital for preventing injury. Conditioning programs should focus on strengthening the core and legs.
  • Don’t play through the pain. Pain is the body’s way of warning that something is wrong, if you are in pain you should allow you body time to heal. Overuse and playing while in pain can lead to a potentially permanent injury.

Common Conditions for Soccer

Achilles Tendon Injuries
The Achilles tendon in the back of the ankle can be strained, torn or ruptured from repeated or excessive force.

Ankle Sprains
Sprains are injuries to the ligament. Sprains are the most common injury for soccer players, and occur most frequently from stepping on the foot in a way that is out of it regular range of motion forcing the ligament to stretch too far.

Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
Ankle fractures can occur in the tibia, fibula or talus. Common causes of ankle fractures include: twisting or rolling the ankle, falling, and impact related injuries. Learn More
Knee Ligament Injury (ACL, PCL, MCL)
Ligament injuries, primarily in the anterior collateral ligament (ACL) for soccer players, can come from swift change of direction, stopping quickly, or a direct impact to the knee. Learn More
Patellofemoral pain syndrome
Overuse, tramatic injury or muscle imbalances can cause a group of conditions that impact the area surrounding the kneecap. This results in damage, strain or inflammation of the structures, which leads to pain. Learn More
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To make an appointment, call 952.831.TRIA (8742)