In 2012, close to 626,600 soccer players were injured and most of these are completely preventable. Knowing the most common injuries, how to recognize and treat them and how to prevent them ensures that all players have a good game. Knowing about them is the first step in trying to prevent these injuries.
Common Soccer Football Injuries to Know About
Injuries remove you from the game, and depending on the severity, they can keep you off the field for a long time. It is possible to avoid serious injuries in many cases, but if one does occur you must be able to quickly recognize it so that you can seek the proper treatment. The most important thing you can do if you think you suffered an injury is to immediately stop playing and get help with basic first aid (rest, compression, ice and elevation of the affected area). While not all injuries require medical treatment, it is important to have all injuries evaluated to ensure an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.
| Injury | Signs and Symptoms | Treatment |
| Ankle Sprains | Pain, bruising, swelling and function loss | Compression, ice and staying off the affected ankle |
| Concussion | Headache, dizziness, confusion and fatigue | Rest, avoiding exertion and immediate evaluation by trained personnel |
| Iliotibial Band Syndrome | Pain and tightness | Ice, rest, anti-inflammatory medications and myofascial release |
| Blisters | Visible blister and soreness | Protecting the area and keeping it clean |
| Achilles Tendonitis | Pain, feeling lumps in the area and soreness | Ice, avoid excessive stretching and reduce tendon stress |
| Hamstring Injury | Pain, stiffness and weakness | Depends on severity. Commonly rest, ice, compression and elevation |
| Muscle Cramps | Sudden, intense pain | Rest and hydration |
| Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness | Sore muscles that occur 24 to 48 hours after activity | Gentle stretching and ice |
| Plantar Fasciitis | Pain in the heel | Ice, special stretching, rest |
| Shin Splints | Pain at the front of the lower legs | Icing and staying off the affected leg |
| Stress Fractures | Pain, swelling and bruising | Stay off the affected leg, compression and ice |
| Calf Muscle Injury | Pain, stiffness, and in some cases, weakness | Ice, compression, rest and elevation |
| Muscle Strains | Muscle spasm, pain and weakness | Ice, rest, compression and elevation |
| Tendon Injuries | Weakness and pain | Depends on severity. Commonly ice and rest |
| Knee Injuries | Pain, swelling and stiffness | Compression, staying off the knee and ice |
Tips for Preventing Soccer Injuries
Accidents happen, but you can prevent most injuries with a little preparation before taking the field. First and foremost, if you are recovering from an injury never return to the game until you are completely healed. Playing soccer while injured greatly increases the risk of additional injuries.
Make sure you have the right equipment, such as shin guards, soccer cleats and for goalies, the proper padding. You must also know the rules of the game and understand the rules of the position you play. Being in the wrong place on the field or going beyond the game guidelines increases the risk of injury.
Make sure you are in good shape for soccer and always prepare before games and practice. A proper warmup takes about 30 minutes (minimum) and it helps to get your body in the right condition to play. Overall, you should have a fitness program that incorporates cardiovascular, balance, flexibility and strength training.
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