Top 5 Soccer Injuries Every Player Must Know

Whether you're a pro athlete, part of a college sports team, or just love some weekend pick up soccer, knowing the common soccer injuries is your first line of defense.
Top 5 Soccer Injuries Every Player Must Know
Published Date
August 19, 2023

New Jersey loves soccer. And athletes, their swift moves. Sadly, the turf isn't always forgiving, and injuries can sneak onto the field uninvited.

Whether you're a pro athlete, college champ, or just love some weekend pick up soccer, knowing the common soccer injuries is your first line of defense. 

Knee Injuries

Soccer is amazing, but knees take a beating. Here’s a fact: more than 55% of sports injuries are to the knee. ACL tears and meniscus tears top the list. 

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and menisci are your knee’s trusty sidekicks, stabilizing it, always ready to help. Because of soccer’s swift moves and sharp turns, the ACL or meniscus can tear or overstretch, giving your mobility a sudden timeout. 

Your body doesn't keep these tears a secret. Signs include:

  • Acute or sharp knee pain
  • Swelling around the knee
  • Difficulty bending or straightening the knee 
  • "Pop" sound in the knee

Sprained Ankles

On the field, ankles do more than just support you; they get caught up in twists and tumbles. When the foot takes an unexpected twist or roll beyond its normal range of motion, the ankle’s outer ligaments stretch or tear. Sprained ankles are a staple complaint amongst athletes.

A sprained (or twisted) ankle might wave these red flags: 

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Difficulty putting weight on the leg

Plantar Fasciitis

Does your heel hurt each morning, when you play, or all day long? 

Plantar fasciitis can be a real morning grumble – soccer plays know it. It triggers pain and inflammation in the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes, beneath the foot. Why? Repetitive stress on the foot from vigorous running or walking and wearing wrong shoes are the common culprits.

Picture stepping on sharp rocks every time you get out of bed — that’s the signature plantar fasciitis “first step in the morning” pain. But wait, it can pop up after periods of rest or post a prolonged activity, too (because the plantar fascia tightens during activity and stretches when weight is placed on the foot).

 

Shin Splints

Fun fact: the shinbone (tibia) is the second longest bone in the human body. Yeah, the one connecting your knee with the ankle. When your lower leg is in overdrive, the muscles and tendons around your shinbone can get all inflamed and irritated.

Soccer players often get shin splints. It’s not very subtle. It starts with pain, which often kicks off during your game and lingers postgame as well. You might also notice: 

  • Tenderness along your shinbone
  • A dash of swelling
  • Difficulty moving your foot around 

Achilles Tendon Rupture

Imagine a strong cord connecting your calf muscle to your heel bone – well, that's Achilles (calcaneal) tendon for you. Your calf’s superhero cord! This cord can snap from intense activities that strain the feet, like soccer’s sudden starts and stops. And the result? Lower leg woes. 

Your leg may tell you something’s amiss. Watch out for:

  • A “pop” sound or sensation at the time of injury
  • Severe pain and swelling near the heel
  • Inability to walk or point the toes downward
  • A gap above the heel where the tendon has torn

Stay in the Game! 

Injuries happen, but they don’t have to bench you for long. Sprains, strains, or shin pain — our sports medicine docs are here to help you score again.

Nodding along with any of these injury symptoms? Drop us a line!

Injuries happen, but they don’t have to bench you for long. Sprains, strains, or shin pain — our sports medicine docs are here to help you score again.

Weekly newsletter
No spam. Just the latest news and tips, interesting articles, and exclusives from your doctors in your inbox every month.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

This is why we do,
what we do!

I Highly recommend, A Doctor with good bed side manners is hard to find. Dr. Baynes has been not only a good doctor but also very fair in his dealings with me. Jonathan

Jonathan S

03/22/2022

Easy to get an appointment. Everyone is so friendly and Dr Baynes listened to my concerns. He came up with an easy plan to follow and setting up my next appointment was just easy.

Maureen J

03/09/2022

Dr Moise’s patience and diligence is amplified by his knowledge and direct patient care and bedside manners. Denise and the rest of his staff are cordially friendly, responsive and dutiful - my experiences with them make me feel safe and in competent hands.

Wayne B

06/21/2022

Blogs / Articles

Featured Article This month

Popular Articles

Debunking Common Orthopedic Problems: Insights and Solutions

calender image

June 20, 2024

|

clock icon

7 minutes to read

By being aware of common orthopedic issues, their causes, and preventive measures, you can safeguard your musculoskeletal health. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into these common disorders and provide valuable insights from the perspective of an orthopedic surgeon to prevent them to facilitate a healthier life.

Read More

Navigating Through Common Foot Disorders

calender image

June 17, 2024

|

clock icon

5 mins to read

Neglecting the care of our feet can lead to various foot disorders that may impact our overall well-being. For healthy feet, read below and get to know more about common foot disorders and how to prevent them.

Read More

Managing Pain After A No-Fault Car Accident

calender image

May 11, 2023

|

clock icon

4 minutes to read

Muscle soreness, aches, and pains are among the most common, and they often require specialized care due to their less obvious nature

Read More

5 Easy Tips for Better Workspace Posture – Your Back Will Thank You!

calender image

July 29, 2023

|

clock icon

6 minutes to read

29% of all workplace injuries in the United States are linked to long hours of sitting and poor posture. Time to check your posture!

Read More

Physical Therapy After a Car Accident? Here's Why You Should

calender image

July 22, 2023

|

clock icon

5 minutes to read

While resting up is nice, your injured area needs more than just that to heal – better and faster. That's where physical therapy steps in.

Read More

Busting Myths About No-Fault Car Accidents

calender image

June 24, 2023

|

clock icon

4 minutes to read

New York's "no-fault" system has your back, but those car accidents can be confusing. Know what to expect (and what NOT to).

Read More

Orthopedic

All Blog Posts

Debunking Common Orthopedic Problems: Insights and Solutions

calender image

June 20, 2024

|

clock icon

7 minutes to read

By being aware of common orthopedic issues, their causes, and preventive measures, you can safeguard your musculoskeletal health. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into these common disorders and provide valuable insights from the perspective of an orthopedic surgeon to prevent them to facilitate a healthier life.

Read More

Podiatry

All Blog Posts

Navigating Through Common Foot Disorders

calender image

June 17, 2024

|

clock icon

5 mins to read

Neglecting the care of our feet can lead to various foot disorders that may impact our overall well-being. For healthy feet, read below and get to know more about common foot disorders and how to prevent them.

Read More

Our Locations

Astoria, NY

30-16 30th Drive, 2nd Floor

Astoria

NY

11201

Ph:
201-871-4000
Fax
201-608-6938

Brooklyn, NY

100 Livingston St 2nd Floor

Brooklyn

NY

11201

Ph:
718-625-9911
Fax
718-625-9517

Newburgh, NY

12 Hudson Valley Professional Plaza

Newburgh

NY

12550

Ph:
845-561-1581
Fax
845-784-4540

South Orange, NJ

South Orange 61 1st St,

South Orange

NJ

07079

Ph:
973-762-8344
Fax
973-762-1621

Bay Ridge, NY

Brooklyn 9711 3rd Ave

Brooklyn

NY

11209

Ph:
201-871-4000
Fax
201-608-6938

Freehold, NJ

55-77 Schanck Road

Freehold

NJ

07728

Ph:
732-577-0400
Fax
732-577-0422

Bronx, NY

3612 E Tremont Ave

Bronx

NY

10465

Ph:
718-663-4274
Fax
--

Englewood, NJ

54 S Dean Street

Englewood

NJ

07631

Ph:
201-871-4000
Fax
201-608-6938

West New York, NJ

5605 Palisade Avenue

West NY

NJ

07093

Ph:
201-422-7400
Fax
201-608-6938

Staten Island, NY

24 Bradley Avenue

Staten Island

NY

10314

Ph:
718-667-5761
Fax
718-667-4997

University Ave, Bronx, NY

1973 University Ave, Bronx

Bronx

NY

10453

Ph:
718-940-4000
Fax
718-509-3582

In your search for a doctor dedicated to your well-being, we stand out for a simple reason – HEMA GENUINELY CARES! 

Request an appointment

Connect with us and get the latest news & articles from your doctors

Privacy Policy

© 2024 Health East Medical Alliance. All Rights Reserved.