Football (soccer) season is on the full swing and I have seen a few players with some injuries recently. No one likes to get injured during a soccer match, and in reality injuries are common occurrence, ranging from minor scratches, bruises to more severe injuries such as concussion and head injuries.
Below are 5 common football (soccer) injuries that most people have come across or heard about. They are not in the order of frequency of occurrence.
1. Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury
This is one of the most severe injuries sustained in playing soccer. The injury usually occurs as a result of a sudden change of direction where the knee is hyperextended or rotated. A popping sound is usually heard and severe pain is felt. Swelling inside the joint (intra-articular effusion) is usually delayed and sometimes physical examination (Lachman test) to determine a tear can be difficult.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is highly accurate in making a diagnosis of ACL injury and its severity. Most ACL injuries are managed by surgery where the hamstrings tendon is harvested and used as a graft for ACL repair. Post-op physiotherapy is important for pain management, muscle strengthening and endurance, gait re-education, as well as safe and early return to soccer.
2. Groin injuries
Soccer requires a lot of running and frequent changing of direction and it can cause the muscles around the groin area to get pulled and strained. Pain can be felt when you bring your legs together or raising your knee. There is tenderness over the groin and inside of the thigh. Early intervention to relieve pain and rest can help the player to return to the game early.
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