There are two types of injuries that soccer players come across….acute injuries (happen right on the spot) and chronic injuries (happen over time).

In soccer, the risk of acute injury is very high.   Due to the training and conditioning programs that happen “beyond the field”, the risk of chronic injuries in soccer can be just as high.

The most common acute injuries in soccer are:

1.       Ligament sprains – these happen most commonly in the knee and ankle

2.       Muscle/Tendon strains – these happen most commonly in the quadriceps, hamstrings and inner thigh muscles.

3.       Contusions (also known as “charlie horses”) – these can happen anywhere contact happens during a game or practice.

The most common chronic injuries in soccer are:

Tendinitis (inflammation of the tendons) of the following areas of the soccer player’s body:

• Achilles’ tendon
• Quadriceps or patellar tendon
• Rotator cuff (mainly in goalies)

THE FIVE BEST WAYS TO AVOID THESE INJURIES

1.       Warm up properly

2.       Stay properly hydrated

3.       Make sure you are taking the appropriate vitamins and mineral supplements.

4.       Cool down properly.

5.       Use the proper “pre-habilitation” exercises.