Whether you call it soccer or football, you’re probably not surprised that it’s the most popular sport in the world. Soccer allows people of all ages and athletic abilities to get active, enjoy fresh air, and work as a team to achieve a common goal. But as is the case with any sport, soccer comes with a risk of injury. Tampa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group discusses common soccer injuries and how athletes can lower their risk of getting hurt.
The Most Common Soccer Injuries
Many soccer injuries involve the knee, as this sport requires sudden stopping, shifting, and kicking. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, runner’s knee, and meniscus tears are common among soccer players, as are:
- Ankle sprains
- Shin splints
- Achilles tendonitis
- Hamstring injuries
- Groin pulls
- Plantar fasciitis
- Pulled calf muscles
Easy Soccer Injury Prevention Tips
Unfortunately, the occasional injury is inevitable for soccer players and athletes of all sports. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take steps to prevent injuries—implementing these common-sense tips can help lower your risk of getting hurt, keep you on the field, and even elevate your performance:
- Set aside at least 30 minutes to warm up prior to playing and place special emphasis on gently stretching your hips, groin, hamstrings, quadriceps, and Achilles tendons.
- Wear properly fitting protective equipment, such as knee pads and shin guards.
- Invest in cleats that fit well and provide adequate foot support.
- Before playing, scan the soccer field for potential hazards such as puddles, holes, and wind-blown debris.
- Incorporate proper technique when playing and tell your coach or trainer if any movements feel awkward or uncomfortable.
- Listen to your body and sit out the game if you are sore or overly tired.
- If you’ve already sustained an injury, don’t rush the healing process or return to playing without your doctor’s approval.
Soccer Injury Treatment From Board-Certified Specialists
Don’t allow a soccer injury to keep you sidelined longer than necessary. If you require specialty sports medicine services, you can turn with confidence to Tampa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group. A division of Florida Medical Clinic and the longest-operating orthopedic clinic in the area, our practice is led by orthopedic sports medicine surgeon Dr. Daniel Murphy and sports medicine physician Dr. Arnold Ramirez. These board-certified specialists also serve on the medical staff of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Yankees and have a unique level of experience addressing complex sports injuries. Leveraging their remarkable expertise, our specialists excel in providing advanced treatments such as:
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
- Stem cell therapy
- Custom orthotics and bracing
- Minimally invasive procedures
- Surgical sports injury treatment
Contact Tampa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group today to schedule an appointment or request a visit online at your convenience. Our sports medicine practice is located in the heart of South Tampa on Howard Avenue, treats adolescent and adult patients, and accepts most health insurance plans. If you have any questions about our sports medicine services, give our friendly professionals a call at (813) 253-2406.
