Soccer Injuries

Soccer may not be America’s pastime, but it sure is growing in popularity. One thing to consider next time playing soccer is that soccer differs in respect to injuries.  Most sporting injuries are often due to the overuse of the foot and ankle muscles. Soccer injuries on the other hand tend to be caused by trauma.

Trauma in soccer? Yes, soccer is a physical contact sport, and can lead to a direct hit to the lower legs from other player’s legs and body. Here are some common lower extremity injuries associated with soccer.

• The soccer ball itself can cause considerable amount of bruising.
• Collision injuries account for 30% of all soccer injuries.
• Ankle sprains are the most common soccer injury, averaging roughly 20-30% of all soccer injuries.
• Players may experience turf toe from the rubbing of the toe on the inside of the cleat, or from stubbing a toe.

If an injury does occur while playing soccer, seek medical treatment and make an appointment to see a podiatrist. For less severe injuries, treatment can include RICE; rest, ice, compression, and elevation. For more severe injuries, the lower extremity may need to be immobilized with a brace or a cast. The most severe injuries may require surgery if the injury is not healing properly.

Soccer is a great sport for children because of the amount of physical exercise they get and helps to fight obesity in children. Just be aware of the physical injuries that can occur.

Citation:
Image by bobrpics. (2008). Soccer Forward. Flickr. Retrieved from http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobrpics/3102237250/