Soccer is one of the most common sports in the world. It is estimated that over one-quarter of a billion people play across the world. Participation in soccer is rising, so it should be no surprise that the rate of soccer injury is high. In addition to the injuries discussed in previous articles in other sports (ACL injury, muscle strains, ankle sprains etc.), fractures, concussions, and meniscal injury are also common among soccer players.
Fractures. Fractures (broken bones) in soccer most commonly occur in the lower extremities (i.e. lower leg (tibia) fractures, ankle fractures). Symptoms of a fracture include pain, swelling, inability to bear weight, an audible noise such as a “snap” or “crack”, tenderness, bruising and sometimes a deformity (if the fractured bone is displaced). To prevent a fracture, athletes should wear proper equipment (i.e shin guards) and practice proper technique. If an athlete fractures a bone, treatment may involve surgery, casting, physical therapy, and a strengthening program to return to activity.
Concussions. A concussion is a traumatic injury to the brain due to a blow to the head or body, a fall, or another injury that jars or shakes the brain inside the skull. Symptoms include any of the following; Headache or a feeling of pressure in the head, temporary loss of consciousness, confusion or feeling as if in a fog, loss of memory surrounding the traumatic event, dizziness or “seeing stars”, ringing in the ears, nausea, vomiting, slurred speech, delayed response to questions, appearing dazed and fatigue. Prevention involves officials maintaining a tight, clean game to prevent all kinds of injuries caused by overly rough or “dirty” play, goal posts should be padded, balls should be properly, not overly, inflated and athletes should use proper technique when heading the ball. Treatment for a concussion must involve immediate removal from activity, a comprehensive concussion test, and rest until ALL symptoms resolve followed by a gradual return to activity. It is important that an athlete is not returned prematurely after a concussion because if another one is sustained, it can be even worse than the previous one or fatal.
Meniscus Injury. The meniscus is the shock-absorbing cartilage between the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone). A meniscus tear very rarely heals on its own. Symptoms include joint line pain, especially when the area is touched, swelling, difficulty moving your knee or inability to move it in a full range of motion, the feeling of your knee locking or catching, the feeling that your knee is “giving way” or unable to support you and you may also hear or feel a “popping” sensation or a “click”. Prevention includes an on-going strengthening program for the leg muscles, and proper technique. Treatment for meniscal injuries sometimes involve surgery to repair or remove the torn meniscus (entirely or partially), however in some cases physical therapy alone can be enough. The athlete should not play through knee pain, and should ice and rest the affected knee as well as wear a hinged knee brace if it is helpful.
Aaron Armstrong, MPE, ATC
Athletic Trainer
Elite Sports Medicine Clinic at the Sports, Spine and Rehabilitation Centre
esmbahamas@gmail.com
Aaron Armstrong holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA in Athletic Training and has been a Board Certified Athletic Trainer since 2012. He also earned a Master of Physical Education degree in Athletic Administration from Idaho State University in Pocatello, ID.
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