Soccer is undeniably one of the most popular sports in the entire world, and even more so in the United States. However, just like any other sport, soccer comes with its own risks of injuries. These injuries are categorized into acute and cumulative injuries. Acute injuries oftentimes are caused by a fall, collision with other players, a strike, or any immediate action. On the other hand, cumulative injuries are the ones involving repetitive stress and pressure on a muscle, joint, or connective tissue, leading to body aches, pain, and physical impairment.
These injuries happen mostly in the lower part of the body. These are the 5 most common soccer injuries that you need to pay attention to!
Ankle sprain
Ankle sprains occur when there is a stretching and tearing of ligaments surrounding the ankle joint. Lateral ankle sprains (outside of the ankle) can occur in soccer when a player kicks the ball with the top of their foot. A medial ankle sprain (inside of the ankle) can occur when the toes are turned out while the foot is flexed upward.
Achilles tendon rupture
A rupture involves the partial or complete tear of the Achilles tendon, often with an audible popping sound. This can occur when a soccer player performs fast, explosive movements, such as chasing after the soccer ball or darting away from a member of the opposite team.
Groin pull
A groin pull is a type of strain that occurs when the muscles of the inner thigh are stretched beyond their limits. A soccer player can pull their groin when kicking a ball and/or being met with resistance by an opponent who attempts to kick the ball in another direction.
Hamstring injury
Hamstring injuries involve the three back muscles of the thigh and can range from a minor strain to a total rupture. The continuous running, sprinting, and stopping movements in soccer can lead to hamstring injuries.
Runner’s Knee
Patellofemoral pain syndrome, often called runner’s knee, is a condition in which the cartilage under the kneecap is damaged due to injury or overuse. It can occur when there is misalignment in the knee or strained tendons.
