Top 3 Most Common Soccer Injuries
The soccer season is fast approaching.... this also means that I see an increase in soccer related injuries in the clinic.
As a Podiatrist who specialises in biomechanics and sports, I often see young soccer players who are frustrated because they are missing multiple games due to injuries.
In this blog, I will explain the top 3 most common soccer injuries that I see in the clinic and the things that you can do to manage them so that you are back on the pitch as soon as possible.
1. Ankle Sprains
What is an Ankle Sprain?
Your ankle is made up of two joints surrounded by multiple ligaments and tendons.
The most common ankle sprain (lateral sprain) occurs when your ankle suddenly rolls outwards with excessive force.
This force can sprain the Anterior Talofibular Ligament and Calcaneofibular Ligament causing pain, bruising, and swelling.
How do I Treat an Ankle Sprain?
Management of ankle sprains depends on the severity of the sprain.
Management may include:
- Rest, ice, compression, and elevation in the first 72 hours after injury
- Supportive shoes and brace on uneven surfaces
- Pain-free range of movement exercises
- Weight-bearing and balance exercises
- Straight line running
- Multi-directional running and hopping
- Return to sport is based on the severity of your sprain and recovery
Click here to read more about how to treat a sprained ankle
How do I stop Spraining my Ankle?
Once you have had an ankle sprain you are more likely to re-sprain your ankle.
Strategies to prevent ankle sprains include:
- A Podiatry assessment to check foot biomechanics and muscle strength
- Strengthening and balance exercises
- EXO-L ankle brace
- Customised lateral orthotic device
Soccer Player wearing EXO-L Ankle Brace
2. Calcaneal Apophysitis (Severs)
What is Calcaneal Apophysitis (Severs)?
Calcaneal Apophysitis is a common injury in active children aged between 8-12 years old.
As your child grows, their muscles do not lengthen at the same speed as the bones grow, meaning the muscles in the back of their legs can become tight.
This tightness causes an increased pulling force on the growth plate of the calcaneus (heel bone), leading to microtrauma, inflammation, and pain.
Active children commonly suffer with Calcaneal Apophysitis
How do I treat my child's heel pain?
The best management for Calcaneal Apophysitis is:
- Pain management: icing and resting when painful
- Footwear: supportive shoes with a high heel-toe drop to offload your child's heel
- Exercises: to maintain strength and improve flexibility in the muscles
- Orthoses: to offload your child's heel
Click here to read more about how to treat Calcaneal Apophysitis
How do I stop my child from having heel pain?
Calcaneal Apophysitis is very common in growing and active children.
Therefore, sometimes you cannot prevent Calcaneal Apophysitis.
Some ways you can help lower the risk of your child getting Calcaneal Apophysitis are:
- Soccer boots without a negative heel drop
- Heel lifts inserted into soccer boots
- Managing your child’s load during growth spurts: giving them enough rest between sport
3. Broken Toe
What is a Broken Toe?
Broken toes are fractures in your toe caused by a large trauma such as kicking an opponent's shin pad or an opponent landing/stamping on your foot!
What does a Broken Toe look like?
- Painful
- Swollen
- Bruised
- Hot
- Changes to your toe position and shape
I have a Broken Toe, What should I do?
Broken toes generally take between 4-8 weeks to heal
Soccer being primarily a kicking sport you will need to take time off soccer to allow the bones to fully heal
If you suspect you have a broken toe firstly, you should make an appointment with your Podiatrist
If you have damage to the big toe joint area you should be prescribed a Post-Op Darco sandal to wear to preserve the joint
If it is a little toe that is broken you reduce pain by
- Buddy taping
- Carbon plate in shoes or stiffer shoes to prevent bending in toes
Click here if you want to read more about broken toes
How do I stop getting Broken Toes?
Soccer is a game of collisions and high-paced actions sometimes broken toes are unfortunately unavoidable
We are here to Help
At Complete Podiatry, we’re here to support you to keep you injury-free and on the soccer pitch!
If you have an injury or need some advice, the first thing to do is book an appointment with one of the Podiatrists at Complete Podiatry for a comprehensive assessment.
Once this is done, we will develop a structured management plan that outlines our best advice for how to help get into running without needing to worry about injury.
Just call us on 8330 0004 or book online.
I'll love to talk to you about how we can help you build an amazing life from the feet up!
Alex Taylor
Podiatrist at Complete Podiatry