Common Soccer Injuries and Prevention
San Francisco Orthopedic Surgeon Offers Advice
Soccer is the most popular sport in the world and the fastest growing team sport in the United States. San Francisco Bay Area residents can find pickup games and league play nearly every day of the week. Whether you are a casual player or a committed athlete, soccer injuries can occur, but many can be prevented.
Common Injuries
As with any sport, soccer injuries can happen either from contact with other players or overuse.
- Lower extremity injuries are most common and often are simple sprains or strains. Cartilage tears and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) sprains in the knee can occur and may require the services of a Bay Area ACL surgeon.
- Overuse lower extremity injuries, such as shin splints, patellar tendinitis, and Achilles tendinitis are common, as are pulled or strained muscles
- Upper body injuries range from cuts and bruises to fractured wrists and concussions.
Prevention
To avoid a visit to your Bay Area sports medicine doctor, take actions to prevent overuse and other injuries with:
- A preseason physical
- Effective warm ups prior to practice or play
- Proper-fitting cleats and shin guards
- Proper hydration
- Awareness of your body’s condition and knowing when to stop
- Proper fitness and slow return after an injury
- Awareness of field and weather conditions
Best San Francisco Sports Medicine Clinic
Dr. Jeffrey L. Halbrecht, MD is a pioneer of minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery. Through the Institute of Arthroscopic and Sports Medicine (IASM), he has created a treatment team that specializes in all aspects of healing the injured player. He is the go-to knee injury doctor for athletes who want exceptional care with minimal recovery. Call IASM at (415) 923-0944 today to schedule an appointment.