Common Soccer Injuries

Paul HalfordPA West Soccer Association

Lower ExtremitiesAccount for 61% - 80.9% of all injuries

Ankle Sprains

Shin Splints

Stress Fractures

Anterior Cruciate ligaments

Quadricep Contusions

Groin Strains

Ankle Injuries

Sprained (twisted) ankle is the most common type of ankle injury. A sprain is the stretching or tearing of ligaments

Mechanism: Inversion or turning of the foot inwards Eversion or turning of the foot outwards

Grade 1, 2 & 3

Tx: R.I.C.E.

Seek medical evaluation

Return to practice/game

Can the athlete:1. Balance on injured ankle, raising up on toes2. Run in a straight line3. Running, changing directionall activities must be pain free

Sidelined for 2 – 6+ weeks

Pain in the front of the leg

Mechanism: Many causes

Generally an overuse injury Can be a stress fracture

Shin Splints

Tx: R.I.C.E

Seek medical evaluation

Return to Practice/GameIs the athlete pain free after a prolonged run.Sidelined for 1 – 2 weeks

Stress Fracture

Mechanism: Overuse injury. Occurs when muscles become fatigued and unable to absorb added shock.The muscle then transfers the overload stress to the bone causing tiny cracks.

TX: R.I.C.E

seek medical evaluation

Return to practice/gameSlowly increase running, running on alternate days.Maintain healthy diet. Sidelined 6 – 8 weeks

Anterior Cruciate Ligament

Mechanism:Can be either contact or non – contact injury

Non-contact; When the lower leg is rotated while thefoot is planted. E.g running fast, decelerating and sharply cutting

TX: seek medical evaluation

Return to practice/game1. Knee is symptom free2. Performance in functional tests3. Psychologically prepared for return.

to activitySidelined 6 – 9 months

Quadricep contusion(Often called a “dead leg” or “charley horse”)

Mechanism: Blunt force trauma to the muscle.

Graded 1, 2 or 3

Return to practice/game1. Run, 2. Run with change of direction3. JumpingAll activities must be pain freeSidelined 2 –3 weeks

Tx: R.I.C.E. Seek medical evaluation, Intense physical therapy for motionComplications; Myositis Osificans

Groin Strain

Graded 1, 2 or 3

1. Run, 2. Run figure of eight’s around

cones

All activities must be pain freeSidelined 2 –3 weeks

Return to practice/game

TX: R.I.C.E. Seek medical evaluation

Mechanism: Overextension of the groin

Upper Extremities

Shoulder

Head

Shoulder

Mechanism: Falling on the shoulder, elbow or outstretched arm

TX: R.I.C.E. Seek medical evaluation

Return to practice/game

1. Full Range of motion2. Pain free with running

Sidelined for 2– 3 weeks

Acromio-clavicular joint

Dislocated shoulder

Mechanism: A direct blow to the shoulder or fall

TX: Immediate reduction by a PhysicianRecurrence rate 100% in contact sport.

Return to practice/gameIf treated conservatively:Full active motion and strengthSidelined 3 –4 weeks4 – 6 months (If surgery)

Sub-luxation“Dead arm syndrome”Numbness and tingling

Mechanism: forced abduction with external-rotation

Tx: Remove from activity and IceSeek medical evaluation

Return to practice/gameFull range of motion, full strength all pain free

Sidelined: 1 – 3 weeks

HeadConcussion: Slight, Moderate or Severeor can be graded 1 - VI

Mechanism: Blow to the head

Tx: Remove from activity immediately Seek medical evaluation

Return to practice/game

1. Symptom free then start light exercise.2. Sports specific activity with no contact.3. Symptom free and clearance from MD then

soccer activities with contact

Sidelined – will depend on severity

Facial injuries

Contusions

Nasal

Teeth

References:

The Physician and Sportsmedicine

Sportsinjuryclinic.net

Principles of Athletic Training..

Dr. David C. Neuschwander, M.D.