7 common types of soccer injuries and how to treat them

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Football is a sport loved by millions of people around the world, but the risk of injury is always lurking for players in every match or training session. From ankle sprains to torn knee ligaments, various types of injuries can impair performance and even threaten an athlete’s career if not treated properly.

Understanding the most common types of injuries and how to treat them is an important step in maintaining fitness and preventing more serious conditions. Proper prevention and treatment can help players remain competitive while minimizing the long-term impact on their physical health.

7 common types of injuries in footballers and their treatment

1. Ankle sprain (sprained ankle)

• Symptoms: Sudden pain, swelling, and difficulty walking after slipping or landing incorrectly.

• Treatment: Apply RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) protocol for 24–48 hours. Next, practice stability and strengthen your ankle muscles. In more severe cases, use a brace or crutches.

2. Hamstring muscle strain

• Symptoms: sharp pain in the back of the thigh, swelling and weakness.

• Treatment: rest, ice, and direct compression, followed by gentle stretching and an eccentric strengthening program.

3. Knee ligament injuries (ACL and MCL)

• Symptoms: “popping” in case of sprain, rapid swelling and instability around the knee.

• Treatment: If severe, ACL often requires reconstructive surgery followed by physical therapy for up to 12 months. For mild MCL, all it takes is rest, bracing, and physical therapy.

Read also: Still injured, David Alaba will definitely miss the Club World Cup

4. Groin muscle injury (groin pull)

• Symptoms: Pain and tightness on the inside of the thigh when running or kicking.

• Treatment: Apply RICE, followed by gradual lengthening and strengthening of the adductor muscles.

5. Tibia splints

• Symptoms: Dull or sharp pain along the shin, especially during repetitive activities.

• Treatment: reduce exercise intensity, use supportive shoes, rest, ice and mild anti-inflammatories.

6. Achilles tendonitis/rupture

• Symptoms: The inflamed Achilles tendon feels painful, stiff, or even makes a popping sound when torn.

• Treatment: for tendinitis, RICE, NSAIDs, physiotherapy and eccentric exercises. Complete rupture usually requires surgery and ongoing therapy.

7. Concussion

• Symptoms: dizziness, headache, nausea, confusion or difficulty concentrating after the impact.

• Treatment: Remove from play immediately, rest completely and undertake a gradual “return to play” under medical supervision.

Read also: Hamstring injuries: causes, symptoms and treatment

Prevention and recovery strategies

• Regular warm-up and cool-down, including neuromuscular exercises like FIFA 11+ to strengthen and repair muscles.

• Monitor training load to avoid overtraining that can trigger repetitive stress injuries.

• Use footwear appropriate for the ground conditions and your anatomy and add orthotics if necessary.

• Consult a professional immediately if pain does not improve within 48 hours or deformity, severe swelling or neurological signs appear.

Therefore, injuries are an inseparable part of football. However, with prompt treatment, proper recovery and good prevention strategies, players can remain healthy and ready to return to the field. The top priority is the athlete’s safety and future, starting with awareness of the injury and the correct response.

Read also: Bayern Munich confirms Jamal Musiala has suffered a fractured fibula

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