Soccer is a great sport to play to keep in shape and enjoy the beautiful summer sunshine. However, as with any sport, there is a risk of injury, especially if players are not prepared for the physical demands of the sport. Some of the most common soccer injuries are listed below, as well as possible ways to prevent these injuries from occurring.
Concussions
Concussions can occur through any force or blow to the head, including through hitting another player, the ground, or an unmoving object such as a goalpost. They are usually recognized by symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, difficulty in concentrating, or emotional changes. One of the best ways to prevent a concussion is to make safe tackles and avoid repeatedly heading the ball.
ACL Injuries
The ACL is a ligament that provides stability to the knee. This ligament is damaged by a sudden change in direction or speed, or landing from a jump in an unstable position. An ACL tear is accompanied by a popping sound, swelling, and severe pain. To reduce the risk of an ACL injury, warm up properly before playing, wear proper footwear, and focus on strength training around the knee joint.
Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments around the ankle stretch or tear. This results in the ankle becoming unstable and commonly occurs when kicking the ball or planting the foot, and the foot rolls to one side. Symptoms of an ankle sprain include pain, swelling, and instability. Cleat fit, playing surface, and dynamic strength are important factors in reducing the risk of an ankle sprain.
If you are currently playing soccer and would like more information, or would like to see one of our physios about an ongoing issue, please don’t hesitate to contact us or book online!