[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2019\/10\/common-soccer-injuries-50ph\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2019\/10\/common-soccer-injuries-50ph\/","headline":"Common Soccer Injuries: The Top Conditions to Know","name":"Common Soccer Injuries: The Top Conditions to Know","description":"From major leagues to local peewee teams, soccer is more popular than ever. There\u2019s no doubt this international sport is fun \u2014 and an excellent way to get regular\u00a0aerobic exercise. But, as with many forms of physical activity, it comes with its risks, too. Soccer players are prone to several different types of injuries. Here\u2019s […]","datePublished":"2019-10-02","dateModified":"2023-04-19","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/orthopaedics-regions","name":"UPMC Orthopaedic Care","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/orthopaedics-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/orthopaedic-surgery\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/soccer_blg.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/soccer_blg.jpg","height":1306,"width":2000},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2019\/10\/common-soccer-injuries-50ph\/","about":["Orthopaedics","Sports Medicine"],"wordCount":569,"articleBody":"From major leagues to local peewee teams, soccer is more popular than ever. There\u2019s no doubt this international sport is fun \u2014 and an excellent way to get regular\u00a0aerobic exercise. But, as with many forms of physical activity, it comes with its risks, too.Soccer players are prone to several different types of injuries. Here\u2019s our guide to some of the most common soccer injuries and a few simple tips on how to prevent them.Top Injuries and Conditions to KnowSoccer sprains, strains, tearsInjuries like sprains, strains, and tears are common among soccer players. Cartilage tears and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears\u00a0in the knee also are common risks. Athletes might also sprain or strain their wrist, thigh, calf, or ankle during play, endure a groin pull, or even dislocate a shoulder.Core muscle injuries from soccerA sports hernia, or athletic pubalgia, is an injury to the core muscles that often is caused by planting the feet and twisting quickly, tearing the soft tissue around the groin. Sudden twisting and zig-zagging on the soccer field are the leading causes.Overuse injuries in soccerAn overuse injury occurs when the same muscle is used in the same manner repeatedly. Some of the more common types of overuse soccer injuries include\u00a0shin splints\u00a0(which causes soreness in the calf),\u00a0patellar tendonitis\u00a0(which causes knee pain), and\u00a0Achilles tendonitis\u00a0(which causes pain in the back of the ankle).Fractures and stress fracturesFalls and direct blows from player-to-player contact can result in broken bones. Soccer players are also more likely to experience stress fractures, which develop when overuse weakens the bones.Concussions in soccerA\u00a0concussion\u00a0is a traumatic brain injury in which the brain shakes inside the skull. It can lead to fogginess, irritability, sleepiness, confusion, and other serious complications over time. Concussions can occur in soccer from a direct knock to the head or from a hit to the body with energy transferred to the head, like whiplash.Lisfranc injuries in soccerThe Lisfranc joint, found in the midfoot, connects the tarsal and metatarsal bones. The joint can be injured both from contact \u2013 such as when a player\u2019s foot is stepped on \u2013 or noncontact, such as the foot twisting unnaturally. Potential Lisfranc injuries range from sprains to dislocations and fractures,\u00a0according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. They are rare and sometimes confused for more minor foot and ankle injuries, but they often require surgery and months of rehab.Preventing Common Soccer InjuriesSoccer players may be able to prevent soccer injuries with the following tips:Remain in good physical condition to reduce your risk of injury.Warm up for 10 to 15 minutes before play and stretch your muscles afterwards.Wear shoes with molded cleats or ribbed soles, rather than soccer shoes with removable spikes.Sport a pair of shin guards to reduce your chance of injury.Evaluate the playing surface, goals, and ball to make sure they are in good condition.Take breaks and mix up the type of sports you play to help prevent overuse injuries.Listen to your body and take a rest, or see your doctor if you experience pain during or after playing.To learn more about UPMC Sports Medicine or schedule an appointment, please call 1-855-937-7678 or visit our website. Editor's Note: This article was originally published on October 2, 2019, and was last reviewed on April 19, 2023."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2019","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2019\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"10","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2019\/\/10\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Common Soccer Injuries: The Top Conditions to Know","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2019\/10\/common-soccer-injuries-50ph\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]