Anyone that has watched or participated in a game of soccer will know that injuries can happen at any moment when individuals compete in the sport.

The game is incredibly competitive and can put a strain on the body because of the levels of physicality and intensity that can often be seen and felt when kicking the ball around the pitch and running after it.

Indeed, with the world’s biggest league competitions having recently returned to the sporting schedule, it is extremely important that players look to prevent or, at the very least, limit the number of potential injuries that can be occurred throughout a campaign. Teams will want to do the best that they can to compete and keeping their star players fit is incredibly important, whilst those who involve themselves in sports betting on the top competitive soccer action will be hoping they remain as fit as possible in order to achieve a win of their own!

However, as mentioned, injuries can happen at any moment and many of the world’s best players will pick up a knock or two throughout their careers.

What are the most common injuries?

There are a number of different injuries that can be sustained when playing soccer, although there are a couple that would have to be considered more common than others that can occur.

Knee

For instance, almost every soccer player will suffer a knee injury at some point as there is a lot of strain that goes on in this particular body part. Players will have to put a lot of pressure on the knee as they will need the joint to work properly to kick the ball, whilst also allowing them to move about on the pitch, making explosive and sharp movements in an instant.

Furthermore, the weight of a person’s body will need to be carried for the 90 minutes of the game being played, thus creating additional pressure on the body part.

Injuries that can be sustained in the knee can be rather serious for individuals as they can take a long time to heal. Soccer players can miss entire seasons if a serious problem is derived from the knock. These could include issues to the Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), Medial collateral ligament (MCL), and Lateral collateral ligament (LCL).

Foot & Ankle injuries

Other common soccer injuries are found in the feet and ankle areas, which is to be expected given the sport’s primary focus on this part of the body. The primary objective of soccer is to kick the ball into the net, though players can also use their heads to direct the ball.

Given the nature of the game, the feet endure significant pressure since the ball is predominantly at a player’s feet. Tackles from opponents can often target this area, and a mistimed or aggressive challenge can lead to injuries.

The ankle, too, is vulnerable. A late tackle can jeopardize its integrity, and just like the knee, it’s susceptible to injuries from the game’s dynamic movements, such as twists or sprains. In light of these risks, understanding your foot pain becomes essential. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of foot and ankle injuries can aid in timely intervention and recovery, ensuring players maintain optimal health and performance on the field.

Other common injuries

These are just some of the other common injuries that can happen:

  • Pulled/strained muscles (hamstrings, groins, etc)
  • Concussion
  • Hand injuries (typically for a goalkeeper)

When it comes to bones or muscle-related injuries, you need to take proactive steps. This means getting in touch with a specialist that has proven expertise in such injuries. They might recommend you go for orthopedic surgery to fix some broken bones or torn ligaments. The more you wait on this, the worse it will be for you. 

How can these injuries be prevented?

 

It is extremely important in any sport that individuals do their extreme best to avoid suffering any possible injury when playing, as these can be extremely painful for the individual who hurts themselves, whilst they can have a negative effect on a sports team and their teammates.

Although there is a degree of expectation that an injury can occur at any moment, there are a number of different ways in which a soccer player can combat any from happening and reduce the risks possible.

The first of these is to ensure that they have a comprehensive warm-up session prior to playing. This should be of around 30 minutes as this will help to reduce the possibility of any muscle injuries from happening as they will be warm and used to being exerted in a way they would not have been for a while.

Soccer players can reduce injury risk by wearing the right equipment like the right style of soccer cleats, as well as protective gear, such as shin pads. Those that play the sport for fun should look at the pitch and whether there is any potential injury risk in regard to the surface.

Categories: Health

Nicolas Desjardins

Hello everyone, I am the main writer for SIND Canada. I've been writing articles for more than 12 years and I like sharing my knowledge. I'm currently writing for many websites and newspapers. I always keep myself very informed to give you the best information. All my years as a computer scientist made me become an incredible researcher. You can contact me on our forum or by email at [email protected].