With @FreddyLA7 having completed his tour of the south and the Tartan Army leaving Boston for Miami, the world has officially descended upon America for the 2026 World Cup. The excitement of watching the best athletes in the world participate in the most popular sports in the world can inspire anyone to hit the field and try to bend it like Beckham. But even the most skilled athletes are not immune to injuries on the field.
Whether it is a hamstring strain by Brazil’s Raphinha, a rare fracture by Canada’s Ismael Koné, or an ankle sprain by Germany’s Nico Schlotterbeck, lower body injuries are common in the sport of soccer (or football to the rest of the world). Below is a review of some of the common injuries both professional and weekend warriors alike can sustain in soccer.
Hamstring Strain
Hamstring strains are one of the leading causes of missed playing time in soccer. Soccer requires a lot of repetitive acceleration and sprinting. It is during activity that a number of athletes can become injured.
Athletes may experience a sudden sharp pain in the back of the knee. This can make running difficult. Pain can be aggravated by stretching and bruising, or swelling can sometimes develop days later.
Initial treatments can include rest, ice, compression. Anti-inflammatories (when appropriate), and physical therapy can also help get the athlete back on the field. On a rare occasion, if the tendons tear, surgery may be required.
Prevention is the best form of treatment. That can include hamstring strengthening and flexibility. Proper warm-up, cool-down, and recovery are key factors in prevention for this and many injuries.
Ankle Sprain
Due to the cutting, pivoting, and frequent contact in soccer, the ankle is constantly exposed to twisting forces. The most common mechanism is when the foot rolls inward or inverts, resulting in a sprain of the ankle’s outside ligaments.
Athletes can experience swelling, bruising, and pain around the ankle. Sometimes they can have difficulty bearing weight on their leg.
Initial treatments can include rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Fortunately, most ankle sprains can heal with conservative management. Physical therapy has been shown to get athletes back on the field quicker. Bracing or taping may sometimes be required for repetitive injuries.
Training focused on balance and coordination has been shown to help reduce the frequency of ankle sprains. As with hamstring strains, proper warm-up and cool-down are beneficial as well.
ACL Tear
ACL tears are one of the more serious injuries in soccer because they frequently require surgery. This can result in months away from competition.
The ACL is one of the main stabilizers of the knee. It helps control rotational stability of the knee. Soccer players are at risk due to the frequent cutting and pivoting inherent in the sport. In fact, female soccer players are the highest at risk for an ACL tear.
ACL tears can occur with and without contact with another player. The most common mechanism is a sudden stop or change in direction.
Athletes frequently report feeling or hearing a ‘pop’ at the time of injury. Swelling within the knee can occur within several hours, and the athlete cannot continue to play. Athletes will also complain of their knee giving way or feeling unstable.
A physical exam and MRI imaging can help make the diagnosis. Reconstructive surgery is usually required, especially if the athlete desires to return to the field.
There are specific ACL agility and coordination programs that have been shown to prevent ACL injuries. The programs focus on proper landing techniques along with hip and core exercises. FIFA has developed a preventive warm-up program that is available on their website.
Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome)
Shin splints are commonly seen in any running athlete. They typically occur during preseason conditioning and during increased practice frequency. The repetitive impact from running causes irritation along the lower inside of the leg.
Symptoms tend to occur during running but improve with rest. The legs can sometimes be sensitive to the touch. If symptoms continue, they can sometimes develop into a stress fracture.
Initial treatments can include rest, ice, and stretching. Physical therapy can help address some of the underlying risk factors, from muscle imbalances to running techniques. Orthotics and shoe wear modifications may sometimes be required.
Whether you are a professional soccer player or just a fan of soccer, here at The Orthopaedic Group, we have physicians, physical therapists, and athletic trainers dedicated to getting you back on the field. If you have experienced any of these injuries and have concerns, call or go online to schedule an appointment with one of our experts.
ABOUT DR. MATTHEW L. BUSBEE
Dr. Busbee is a board certified sports medicine specialist with an educational background, including a Bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and a medical degree from UAB, where he graduated with AOA honors. He completed his orthopaedic residency at the Campbell Clinic and further specialized in sports medicine through a fellowship with Dr. James Andrews. With experience in treating athletic injuries and performing advanced surgical procedures, Dr. Busbee is dedicated to helping athletes recover and excel. To make an appointment, call (251) 450-2746 or request an appointment online.
