Soccer (known as football outside the United
States) is one of the most popular team sports in the world. Soccer also can be
a way to encourage children to be physically active while they learn about
teamwork and sportsmanship.
With the growing popularity of soccer comes a
greater number of injuries. However, the risk of injury can be reduced. This
publication was written by the American Academy of Pediatrics to provide
information about how to prevent soccer injuries. It includes a list of common
soccer injuries.
Common injuries
Soccer injuries in general occur when players
collide with each other or when players collide with the ground, ball, or
goalpost. They also may result from nonbody contact, such as from running,
twisting/turning, shooting, and landing. The most common types of injuries in
youth soccer are sprains and strains, followed by contusions (bruises). Most
injuries are minor, requiring basic first aid or a maximum of 1 week's
rest from playing soccer.
Ankle and knee injuries
Most ankle and knee injuries do not result
from contact with another player. Ankle injuries are more common in male
players and knee injuries are more common in female players.
ACL injuries are relatively common knee
injuries. Most of these injuries happen not from coming in contact with
another player, but from sudden stops and pivots. ACL injury risk-reduction
programs are recommended for female adolescents.
Heel pain
Irritation of the growth plate of the heel
bone (Sever's disease) is common in youth soccer. This can be treated
with calf stretching, activity modification (avoid extra running), heel cups
or arch supports, ice, and anti-inflammatory medicine.
Head injuries
Concussions are common in soccer. They
usually occur when a player's head collides with another
player's head, shoulder, or arm, or the ground. Females tend to have
a slightly higher concussion risk than males.
Concussions temporarily affect brain
function, although loss of consciousness or blackout may or may not happen.
All concussions are serious and need to be evaluated by a doctor before
players can return to play. The signs and symptoms of a concussion range
from mild to severe and usually happen right after the injury, but may take
hours to days to show up. With most concussions, the player is not knocked
out or unconscious.
Mouth, face, and teeth injuries
Soccer is one of the leading causes of
mouth, facial, and dental injuries in sports (second only to basketball).
Use of protective mouth guards may help reduce the number of injuries.
Eye injuries
Eye injuries are rare, but when they occur
they are often severe, resulting in damage to the eye globe or blowout
fractures of the eye socket. Protective eyewear is recommended for all
soccer players.