Sports Injury Prevention

Soccer Injuries

Condition FAQs

Overview

Soccer is a great sport, which allows your child to get exercise and learn how to be a member of a team. It is fast-paced, and as your child’s skill level increases, there is an increasing chance of a soccer-related injury. According to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance Survey (NEISS), an estimated 231,447 people were treated for soccer related injuries in 2012.

Common Injuries

Because of the fast pace and rapid changes in direction, injuries to the knee and ankle are very common. It is also common to collide with other players, which can cause concussions, sprains and fractures.

These injuries can include:

Head: Concussions can be fairly common in soccer. Players can have injuries from direct blows to the head or from sudden jerking motions during impact. A concussion does not always involve loss of consciousness. A concussion may just be a headache, confusion, dizziness, nausea/vomiting, or blurry vision. Any player with concussion symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional and cleared before return to play.

Hip: Strong kicking forces can cause hip pain. The muscle and tendon attachments in the growing child or teenager may be strong enough to stress the growth plates in the pelvis or femur. Sometimes a sudden pop or pain may occur and require evaluation with a pediatric orthopedic surgeon.

Knee/Leg: Injuries to the knee and leg can occur frequently in soccer. Contusions and fractures can result from collisions. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears and meniscal tears are injuries that can require surgery.

Overuse injuries in the leg and knee can happen as well. This can involve tendonitis (patellar tendon in the knee or Achilles tendon in the ankle) or growth-plate inflammation (Osgood Schlatters in the knee or Sever’s in the heel). Athletes can also develop shin pain caused by shin splints or stress fractures.

Upper extremity: Wrist sprains and fractures are common because of falls or contact with other players or balls.

Prevention Strategies

During the off-season, a balanced fitness program should include aerobic exercise, strength training, and flexibility. If a player is out of shape at the beginning of the season, she/he should gradually increase activity level and slowly build up to a higher fitness level.

Before each practice and game, a player should warm up and stretch, especially their legs. A warm-up might include jumping jacks or running in place for several minutes. After the aerobic warm-up, gently stretch. Stretching should be repeated at the end of practice or game to reduce the risk of injury and muscle soreness.

Make sure that the athlete is properly hydrated. A general guideline is to drink 24 ounces of non-caffeinated fluid 2 hours before exercise, an additional 8 ounces of water right before exercise, and 8 ounces of water every 20 minutes during exercise.

Appropriate equipment includes shin guards to protect lower legs. Shoes with molded cleats or ribbed soles reduce the risk of injury. Shoes with screw-in cleats are associated with higher risk of injury but should be worn when more traction is needed, such as on a wet field with high grass. Synthetic, nonabsorbent balls should be used when playing on wet fields.

Soccer goals should be well-padded and properly secured. Padding decreases the incidence of head injuries when players collide with the posts. They should be secured when not in use to prevent them from tipping over. Chaining the goals together with a bicycle lock can stabilize the goals. Do not allow athletes to crawl or sit under the goal or hang from the net.

The field should be kept in good condition. Holes should be filled, bare spots reseeded, and debris removed.

Pay attention and react to weather conditions. In a thunderstorm, leave the field and get inside immediately. In hot weather, take more frequent water breaks. In cold weather, wear appropriate warm clothing. Consider shortening practices in temperature extremes.

Preparation

Coaches should be knowledgeable about basic first aid and be able to use it for minor injuries. They should be prepared for emergencies with a plan to reach medical attention for more significant injuries.

Return to Play

An injured athlete’s symptoms must be completely gone before returning to play. They should have no pain or swelling and normal range of motion and strength before returning. Athletes should be medically cleared to play after all significant injuries including concussions. Some injuries requiring a cast below the elbow may be suitable for return to soccer with approval from your orthopedic surgeon. Adequate padding for the cast to protect other players is required. The ability to perform ‘single leg hop’ may be tested to determine if a lower leg injury has recovered enough to return to soccer.

Prevent Overuse Injuries

There is an increase in overuse injuries in young athletes who focus on just one sport and are training year-round. To help prevent overuse injuries, limit the number of teams that an athlete participates on in one season. Taking regular breaks and playing other sports is important for skill development and injury prevention.

More Information

OrthoInfo - Soccer Injury Prevention

Q: What common injuries occur during soccer?

Common injuries include sprains and strains around the knee and ankle. Player collisions can also cause a range of injuries including cuts, bruises, and concussion. Overuse injuries, such as Achilles tendinitis and shin splints, also frequently occur.

Q: What strategies can be used to prevent injuries in soccer?

Prevention strategies for soccer players include maintaining good physical condition, adequate warm-up, stretching and cooldown exercises, and proper hydration.

Q: Is there special equipment that should be used while participating in soccer?

Yes. Appropriate equipment includes shin guards to protect lower legs. Shoes with molded cleats or ribbed soles reduce the risk of injury. Shoes with screw-in cleats are associated with higher risk of injury but should be worn when more traction is needed, such as on a wet field with high grass. Synthetic, nonabsorbent balls should be used when playing on wet fields.

Q: What should be done to make sure the goals are safe?

Soccer goals should be well-padded and properly secured. Padding decreases the incidence of head injuries when players collide with the posts. They should be secured when not in use to prevent them from tipping over. Chaining the goals together with a bicycle look can do this. Do not crawl or sit under the goal or hang from the net.

Q: After an injury, when can a soccer player return to sport?

An injured athlete’s symptoms should be evaluated before returning to soccer. They should have no pain or swelling and normal range of motion and strength before returning. Medical clearance for return should be attained for all significant injuries including concussions.

Q: Are there strategies for preventing overuse injuries?

Yes. To help prevent overuse injuries, limit the number of teams you participate on in one season. Taking regular breaks and playing other sports are important for skill development and injury prevention.