The World Cup has finished, and while the world’s largest soccer tournament is over, there are still thousands of youth soccer players enjoying the sport across the country every single day.
Unfortunately, that participation also carries the potential for injury.
While soccer players can suffer from numerous different aches and pains, these are the most common youth soccer injuries and what can be done to prevent them.
* Sprains/strains. From minor sprains to ACL tears, these injuries are often a product of contact and can vary widely in severity. While these injuries are often caused by chance encounters, a sound strength regimen can be effective in lowering your risk.
* Overuse injuries. Shin splints, Achilles tendinitis and patellar tendinitis are common injuries soccer players suffer, particularly as seasons extend to more games and tournaments. A season away from the sport is recommend by sports medicine professionals in order to ease this wear and tear. If the injury occurs during the season, dialing back training and practice can have long-term benefits.
* Head injuries. Concussions draw the majority of the attention here but youth soccer players can also suffer neck strains, cuts and fractures. The severity of these injuries can be difficult to diagnose and athletes who may have suffered such an injury should get comprehensive care immediately. Remind athletes to be mindful of how they use their head during a soccer match. It's just a game after all.
* Upper body injuries. These injuries commonly include incidents such as wrist fractures and sprains or shoulder dislocations. While severe, these injuries are rare and commonly occur when players collide with one another or break their fall with their hands or an outstretched arm. Strength and conditioning can help players ward off injuries, but you can also provide immediate support by being mindful of field conditions and ensuring players have the proper spike length to minimize the possibility of falls.
That's our list for today. What other injuries have you seen soccer players commonly suffer?