From youth soccer to the professional leagues, injuries are commonplace, especially those to the legs. A sliding tackle is a force to be reckoned with. It is important to remember that while the legs are obviously the most susceptible to soccer injuries, the head, neck, face, shoulders, and wrists may also suffer trauma during play. Concussions, neck sprains, fractures, cuts, and bruises are just some of the ways that the head, neck, and face can be affected while collisions or falls can affect the wrists and shoulders by dislocations, sprains, and fractures: a primary care or orthopedic provider should evaluate these. But, a podiatrist can evaluate any injury to the foot and ankle including overuse injuries.
Overuse injuries in soccer include the following:
-
Achilles tendinitis (back of the ankle pain)
-
Shin splints (Painful shins)
-
Stress fractures
Player-to-player contact injuries include the following:
-
Sprains (Overstretching a ligament-Example: lateral ankle sprain)
-
Strains (Overstretching a muscle)
-
Fractures
If any injury is suspected, it is not recommended to play through the pain as that may be harmful. It is important to remember that an injury should be evaluated by a health professional and play should be discontinued until then. Rest, ice, and elevation may not always be enough.
Soccer injuries can be prevented by having a physical exam, hydrating well, maintaining fitness, not overtraining, and by using adequate cleats and shin guards that fit properly.
How can cleats and shin guards be selected properly?
-
When selecting cleats, place them on a flat surface and see that they are able to rest level. Make sure all the cleats touch the flat surface. You do not want the shoes to lean in or out.
-
Look for cleats with a wide “waist” (i.e., not narrow at the middle of the foot).
-
It is not necessary to stick to a particular brand or model because of popularity.
-
When ordering cleats online, order different pairs and return the ones that do not fit properly. (Check out return policies beforehand.)
-
Make sure shin guards are worn slightly above the ankle to slightly below the knee. This is the same for strapped shin guards as well as for the ones that slide into socks. Soccer socks should cover the shin guards to keep them in place.
For evaluation of the foot and ankle due to a soccer injury, make an appointment today at 721-4007.