Soccer Injuries
Thankfully most soccer injuries are a soft tissue injury. As expected, 50-80% of soccer injuries affect the lower extremities.
40-45% of these leg injuries involve ankle and foot pain and most of these injuries are a sprain to ligaments. Hamstring injuries are also common and the incidence of hip pain is on the rise. Knee injuries account for 25% of leg injuries. ACL injury (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) is the most common season-ending problem. Menisicus (cartilage) tears are also common due to the pivoting nature of football.
In young football players, Osgood-Schlatter Disease is a common cause of knee pain. Sever’s disease is a common source of heel pain. Both these are related to the site of growth and pain is often associated with overuse.
In the lower leg, tibial shaft fractures are uncommon, but they represent one of the most severe types of lower extremity trauma in soccer and more often associated with tackles or a collision.
Head injuries account for 4-22% of soccer injuries. Concussions make up 2-3% of all soccer injuries. Most severe head injuries are caused by collisions. The collisions could be with other players, goalposts, the ground, or the ball. Neck pain and shoulder pain can occur. Mild whiplash injury has been reported after head clashes or impact with the ground.
Goalkeepers are susceptible to shoulder injuries from falls and collisions. However, even field players can suffer from shoulder injury during throw ins or following a fall.