Soccer Injuries

Soccer is probably the fastest growing sport in the country. The World Cup and the 1996 Olympic Games have added to this growth. Soccer is perceived to be safer than football. However, soccer is a collision sport and injuries do occur.

Head injuries are fortunately rare. A common cause of head injury is "head banging" when two players attempt to head the ball. This collision can result in a concussion, a cut or bruise, or even a more serious neck injury. Broken noses, cheeks and jaws can also occur.

There has been some controversy recently by the suggestion that repeated trauma from heading the ball can cause a brain injury similar to that seen in boxers. This is yet to be proven. Any player with dizziness, headache or neck pain after heading a ball should be evaluated for a mild concussion. Usually this just requires removing the player from the game, but repeated complaints need to be seriously considered for medical evaluation.

The shoulder injury most commonly seen in soccer is a shoulder separation. This is a form of ligament sprain in the shoulder. Most require just protective padding, ice, and measures for pain control. Some more severe ligament tears may require surgery. Another less common injury is a shoulder dislocation. This may be a partial or complete dislocation. A complete dislocation must be manipulated back into socket by a doctor.

In the legs the most common injury is a muscle strain or tear. Soccer requires sudden acceleration and this is when these injuries occur. Stretching and a proper warm-up can help prevent this injury. Treatment is rest, ice, compression and elevation. Formal physical therapy for rehabilitation is often needed.

Knee injuries can be mild to varying degrees of severity. Some ligament sprains just require rest. A tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) usually requires reconstructive surgery. With the latest surgical procedures, these athletes can return to sports in about six months. Dislocations of the knee-cap are a common soccer injury, especially in females. Braces are sometimes used after an injury to protect the knee. Braces may also be used to prevent injury. All knee injuries should be evaluated by a specialist in the treatment of knee injuries.

One of the most serious soccer injuries is a fracture of both bones of the lower leg. The fracture is usually at a level near the top of the shin guard. It usually occurs when two players going for the ball at the same time clash. One player misses the ball and kicks the other with enough force to break both the tibia and fibula bones of the lower leg. The leg needs to be splinted and the player seen immediately by an orthopedic surgeon. Surgery is needed for some fractures, usually those that are unstable or open fractures (one that breaks the skin).

A bruised leg is also common. Ice, compression and elevation are needed to stop any deep muscle bleeding and swelling.

Ankle injury is usually in the form of varying degrees of ligament tears. Fractures are not uncommon. Any ankle injury with accompanied swelling should have an xray and evaluation by a doctor. Usually a specialist should be consulted as these injuries are often under-treated.

Achilles tendinitis, pain in the tendon above the heel, is common. Heel pain and arch pain are also common. An arch support will usually help these problems. The soccer cleats should be worn only during games or practice.

Goalies are unique, in many ways! The frequent diving makes a goalie more likely to injure the shoulder and elbow. Catching and blocking balls also causes injuries to the wrist and hand.

Preventing all soccer injuries in impossible. Appropriate equipment is a must. Shin guards are mandatory. Goalies should wear gloves to prevent hand injuries. Conditioning with both agility and endurance is needed. Strength and speed are also needed in soccer. Play it safe. When injuries occur, have the player evaluated by an athletic trainer or physician.

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