Common Injuries in Soccer

Intro to common injuries in soccer
Several studies about soccer injuries have proved that proper warm up and rest is crucial in order to avoid serious soccer injuries. In this article I will outline the most common injuries in soccer.

Ankle Sprains
This one is the most common of all ankle injuries. An ankle sprain usually occurs when there is a stretching and tearing of ligaments that surround your ankle joint.

Achilles Tendonitis
An Achilles tendonitis injury will often occur at the start of your exercise. You will usually feel a sharp pain in the back of your ankle.

Groin Pull
During a groin pull injury you will often fell that your leg is heavier than before and also that your groin muscle is stretching and pulling through.

Concussion
A concussion may occur when your head strikes an opponent’s head. This injury can make you suffer memory loss and appear confused. In soccer, concussions make up 2-3% of all common soccer injuries. This is the same rate as for American football!

Hamstring Pull, Tear or Strain
Hamstring pull is probably the most common soccer injury that you will experience as soccer player. This injury will often hold you off the field for one month or so. During this period you should not participate in any type of running activities.

Iliotibial Band
If your knee pain is lateral (on the outside edge of the knee), then it's quite possible that you may be suffering from iliotibial band syndrome.

Cramps in your muscles
Cramps can be caused from several changes throughout your body, heavy exercise and also from different diseases.

You will often experience a cramp if you are exposed to heavy physical activities. For example, if you have not been playing soccer for two months or so, you will often experience a cramp during your first game or practice.

Blisters
Blisters will typically appear as a raised bubble on your skin with fluid beneath; the fluid may be clear or bloody. The blister may be torn with new skin exposed (But this really hurts).

Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness
Delayed onset muscle soreness or DOMS is often described as muscle soreness that usually occurs one-two days following intense exercise.

Patellofemoral Pain
Patellofemoral pain is generally caused by soft cartilage under you kneecap. If the pain holds you off the field for longer time you should consult a specialist.

Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of pain on the bottom of your heel and usually defined by pain during the first steps of your morning walk.

Pulled or Strained Calf Muscle
A calf strain can be caused by: stretching the calf muscles beyond the amount of tension that they can withstand

Shin Splints
The term shin splints is often applied to any pain between the knee and ankle. It can be also explained as “pain and discomfort in the leg from repetitive running on hard surfaces or from forcible, excessive use of the muscles that flex the ankle.”

Sprains and Strains
A sprain may result from a fall or a sudden twist. A sprain injury will often stretch or tear your ligaments that support your joint. It is recommended to use crutches during the first days of the injury and also avoid any physical demanding activity.