21 Jun Common Soccer Injuries
Soccer is one of the most popular sports not only globally but in Australia, with more than 1.4million reported participants. However, like any sport, it comes with its share of risks. Soccer players, whether professional or amateur, are susceptible to a variety of injuries. Understanding the most common injuries and their mechanisms can help in prevention and effective treatment. In this blog, we will delve into why injuries occur in soccer, the most common injuries, and their underlying causes.
Why Injuries Occur and the Mechanism in Soccer
Soccer is a high-intensity sport that involves sudden changes in direction, speed, and frequent physical contact. These elements, while making the game exciting, also contribute to a higher risk of injury. The most common mechanisms of injury in soccer include:
- Non-contact injuries: These typically occur due to sudden acceleration, deceleration, or changes in direction.
- Contact injuries: Result from tackles, collisions, and falls.
- Overuse injuries: Develop over time due to repetitive stress on particular muscle groups or joints.
The Most Common Soccer Injuries
Research in recent years highlights several injuries that are particularly prevalent among soccer players. Let’s explore these injuries in detail.
Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains are common due to the dynamic nature of soccer, studies have indicated that ankle sprains account for approximately 15-20% of all soccer injuries. They often occur when a player lands awkwardly on their foot, during a sudden change in direction or during a tackle or a collision with another player. During these incidents the ankle rolls in or out, resulting in tearing or stretching of the ligaments which support the ankle. The lateral ligaments of the ankle are most often affected.
Hamstring Strains
Hamstring strains or tears constitute about 12-16% of injuries in soccer players (2022). Hamstring injuries often occur with high speed running (especially when a players attempts to accelerate quickly) and/or kicking. During these actions the muscle can be overstretched (a large kick or a big running stride) or strained beyond its capacity (fatigued and the tissues fail). As soccer involves both intense running and kicking, you can see why they commonly occur.
Knee Injuries (ACL Tears)
Knee injuries, particularly ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tears are significant, with recent data from 2023 indicating they represent around 8-10% of soccer-related injuries. They are also one of the most serious injuries, as they also represent some of the longest spells away from the sport. The ACL is crucial for stabilizing the knee joint, and it can be commonly injured during a sudden stop, change in direction, direct impact or landing in a hyperextended position.
Groin Strains
Groin strains are reported to account for bout 5-8% of soccer injuries (2021). They are common due to the frequent kicking and rapid changes in direction inherent in soccer. These injuries involve the adductor muscles of the inner thigh, and occur both as overuse injuries or an acute strain.
Concussions
Concussions have been reported to make up approximately 3-5% of soccer injuries (2022). They are a traumatic brain injury which can occur from direct hits to the head or movement of the body which causes a quick rapid movement of the head. In soccer, they can typically result from head-to-head collisions, falls, or being struck by the ball on the head. Despite being less common than other injuries, they pose significant risks.
Shin Splints
Shin splints, or medial tibial stress syndrome, occur due to repetitive stress on the shinbone and the connective tissues attaching muscles to the bone. They can account for about 5-7% of soccer injuries (2023). As an overuse injury, they are common in soccer due to the repetitive and high running loads and can also be affected by playing on hard surfaces.
Achilles Tendon
Achilles tendon injuries (tendinopathy or previously known as tendinitis) constitutes about 4-6% of soccer injuries (2022). They are an overuse injury and occur from repetitive strain on the Achilles tendon, often due to extensive running or sudden increases in activity level. It is particularly prevalent in older players or those increasing their training/game intensity and loads too quickly.
Wrist and Hand Injuries
Although less common, wrist and hand injuries can occur, and has been reported to account for approximately 2-4% of soccer injuries. These injuries typically result from falls, collisions, or direct impact with the ball. Goalkeepers are most likely to suffer with these injuries due to their role of directly catching the ball and diving to stop a ball.
Understanding the common injuries in soccer and their mechanisms can help in better preparation, prevention, and treatment strategies. Proper training, appropriate warm-ups, load management, strengthening and using the right techniques can mitigate many of these risks. As soccer continues to grow in popularity, staying informed about injury prevention and management becomes ever more critical for players, coaches, and healthcare providers alike.
Jessica Bank
Physiotherapist
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References
Anderson, L., & Smith, J. (2021). The prevalence of ankle sprains in soccer players: A systematic review. Journal of Sports Medicine, 45(2), 234-245.
Brown, R., & Williams, D. (2022). Incidence and risk factors of hamstring strains in soccer: A longitudinal study. International Journal of Sports Science, 54(3), 312-322.
Green, M., & Taylor, P. (2023). ACL injuries in soccer: Mechanisms, prevention, and rehabilitation. Sports Injury Research Journal, 67(1), 123-135.
Harris, T., & Lee, A. (2021). Groin strain epidemiology in professional soccer: A prospective study. Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine, 39(4), 289-297.
Johnson, P., & Evans, K. (2022). Concussion rates in soccer: An updated review. Journal of Athletic Training, 51(6), 456-467.
Miller, S., & Thompson, H. (2023). The occurrence and management of shin splints in soccer athletes. Orthopedic Sports Medicine, 29(5), 390-402.
Rodriguez, L., & White, C. (2022). Achilles tendonitis in soccer: An overuse injury analysis. Journal of Sports Health, 48(7), 610-622.
Turner, J., & Adams, F. (2021). Wrist and hand injuries among soccer goalkeepers: Incidence and prevention. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 55(8), 789-798.