Updated May 18, 2014.

Soccer injuries are generally defined as either cumulative (overuse) or acute (traumatic) injuries.

Overuse injuries occur over time due to stress on the muscles, joints and soft tissues without proper time for healing. They begin as a small, nagging ache or pain, and can grow into a debilitating injury if they aren't treated early.

Acute or traumatic injuries occur due to a sudden force, or impact, and can be quite dramatic

Common Soccer Injuries Include:

Ankle Sprains
The most common of all ankle injuries, an ankle sprain occurs when there is a stretching and tearing of ligaments surrounding the ankle joint.

Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis is a chronic injury that occurs primarily from overuse and it felt as pain in back of the ankle. If this is ignored it may increase your risk of Achilles Tendon Rupture.

Concussion
A concussion occurs with a sudden impact or blow to the head. Groin Pull
A groin (adductor) pull or strain occurs when the muscles of the inner thigh are stretched beyond their limits.

Hamstring Pull, Tear, or Strain
Hamstring injuries are common among runners and can range from minor strains to total rupture of the muscle at the back of the thigh.

Iliotibial Band Syndrome
IT band friction syndrome often results in knee pain that is generally felt on the outside (lateral) aspect of the knee or lower.

Muscle Cramps
A cramp is a sudden, intense pain caused by a muscle involuntary and forcibly contracting muscle that does not relax.

Similar to, but not the same as a Side Stitch.

Blisters
Blisters are fluid-filled sacks on the surface of the skin that commonly occurs on the hands, or the feet.

Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness
Also called "DOMS," this muscle pain, stiffness or soreness occurs 24-48 hours after particularly intense exercise or a new program.

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
This term usually refers to pain under and around the knee cap It is also called "Runner's Knee."

Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of pain on the bottom of the heel and usually defined by pain during the first steps of the morning

Pulled or Strained Calf Muscle
calf strain occurs when part of the muscles of the lower leg (gastrocnemius or soleus) are pulled from the Achilles tendon. It is similar to an Achilles tendon rupture, but occurs higher up in the back of the leg.

Shin Splints
Shin Splints describes a variety of generalized pain that occurs in the front of the lower leg along the tibia (shin bone). Shin Splints are considered a cumulative stress injury.

Sprains and Strains
These are acute injuries that vary in severity but usually result in pain, swelling, bruising, and loss of the ability to move and use the joint.

Stress Fractures
Stress fractures in the leg are often the result of overuse or repeated impacts on a hard surface

Tendinitis and Ruptured Tendon
Tendinitis is simply inflammation of a tendon. It generally occurs from overuse, but can also occur from a forceful contraction that causes microtears in the muscle fibers. These tears can lead to weakness and inflammation.

Knee Injuries Common in Soccer Players

• Anterior Cruciate Lligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries
• Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injuries

Ligament injuries to the knee are very common in sports that require stopping and starting or quickly changing directions.

Cruciate ligament injuries don't always cause pain, but typically cause a loud "pop." Most of these injuries are confirmed with an MRI. Arthroscopic surgery is sometimes the best way to find a partial tear.

Torn Knee Cartilage (Meniscus Injuries)
Torn knee cartilage is usually a torn meniscus. These small, "c" shaped pieces of cartilage act as cushions between the thigh bone (femur) and the tibia (shin bone). Meniscus tears are often the result of twisting, pivoting, decelerating, or a sudden impact. It cam be identified by various manual tests a physician can perform to detect torn cartilage.

Many sports injuries may result from overuse, lack of proper rest, lack or proper warm ups or poor conditioning. The following safety precautions are recommended to help prevent help basketball injuries:

• Follow the ACL Injury Prevention Program for Soccer Players
• Warm up thoroughly prior to play.
• Use protective equipment (mouth guards, knee and elbow pads or eye protection).
• Use good technique and play by the rules.
• Clean of courts before play - check for slippery spots or debris.
• Have a first aid kit on hand.
• Get adequate recovery.
• Stay hydrated.

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