Common Soccer Injuries

        Playing such an intense and competitive sport like soccer, injury is common. I've had my enough  sprains, strains, and bruises playing soccer to last a lifetime. There are varying degrees of injury and whether it be mild or career ending, injuries are always something to be aware of while playing soccer.

Ankle Injuries: 
An ankle sprain is the most common injury in the sport of soccer. Even though this may not seem as severe or as painful as a break, it is nevertheless still serious. If a sprain doesn't heal properly, it can keep bothering you and cause future pain and problems relating to your ankle. Also, if you have already had an ankle sprain, you are at a much greater risk to hurt it again than you were before. It is recommended that you wear a brace while playing to try to avoid further injury to it.

Knee Injuries:
One of the most severe, and common, injuries in soccer is an ACL tear. However, a number of knee injuries can sideline you. Direct or indirect contact with the knee can hurt the ligaments, cartilage, or tendons. You can dislocate your knee, tear your meniscus, tear a tendon, or fracture your patella. When landing from a jump, or pivoting, it is best to try to keep your knees straight, as landing with your knees inwards can cause a tear.

Hamstring Injuries:
Another common injury in soccer is one to the hamstring. The hamstrings are a muscle group at the back of your thigh. Most are non contact, meaning there is no impact from the ball or another player when this occurs. This type of injuries occur when you have had previous injuries such as pulled or strained hamstrings, or if you have weak thighs. Prevention of this is limited, but you could stretch and do exercises to strengthen the muscle to try to prevent pulling of it, which will help with more severe injuries to it.

Head Injuries:
A concussion is another common soccer injury, and it can be life altering depending on the circumstances and the severity. Concussions can alter memory, concentration, problem solving, and more. In a sport like soccer, it is nearly impossible to prevent concussions, you could just avoid heading the ball, but there is still a risk every time you step on the field. The best advice is that when you're in doubt, sit out. If you feel odd after getting hit in the head, you should take yourself out of the game or sit out your next one. It is better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to injury to the head. Head injuries are not something to take lightly, no soccer game is more important than your health, current and future, as a severe or a couple minor concussions can affect you for life. After a while, you have to know when to draw the line and take yourself out of the sport entirely if need be.

In conclusion, while playing soccer and other sports that are physically as demanding, you should always be aware of the injuries you can suffer from. Coaches, parents, and players should have a point where enough is enough and someone's health needs to come before their team, no matter what level they are playing at.