Soccer
The biomechanics of good kicking technique is an important aspect of a soccer player. Being a multiarticular movement, soccer kick is characterised by a proximal-to-distal motion of the lower limb segments of the kicking leg. As a result, sprains and strains are the most common lower extremity injuries. The severity of these injuries varies. Cartilage tears and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) sprains in the knee are some of the more common injuries that may require surgery. Other injuries include fractures and contusions from direct blows to the body.
Background
Soccer, or Football, is a game in which two 11-member teams try to propel a ball into the opposing team’s goal, using any part of the body except the hands and arms. Only the goalkeeper, when positioned within the penalty area in front of the goal, may use hands and arms. The game’s first uniform set of rules was put in place in 1863, when England’s Football Association was created. Professional leagues began appearing in the late 1880s, first in England and then in other countries. The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) was founded in 1904, and has hosted the World Cup every four years since 1930. Football has been included in the Olympic Games since 1908. Now played on all continents in over 200 countries, with over 250 million players, it is the world’s most popular ball game.
ACL Sprains
Common Symptoms
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A loud pop or a "popping" sensation in the knee
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Severe pain and inability to continue activity
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Rapid swelling
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Loss of range of motion
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A feeling of instability or "giving way" with weight bearing
Possible Treatments
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There are two treatment options for ACL injury:
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Nonsurgical treatment such as a brace to protect from instability and physical therapy to strengthen the surrounding ligaments to provide greater stability
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Surgical reconstruction of the ACL to restore the internal structures of the knee to enable maximal stability
Prevention Techniques
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There are many stretching exercises and strengthening exercises that can help specific to each case. Some examples include:
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Lying Quadriceps stretch
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Hamstring Wall Stretch
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*Keep in mind that different stretches will benefit each specific case. These stretches can help alleviate ACL pain in general and are not guaranteed success
Ankle Sprains
Common Symptoms
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Pain, especially when you bear weight on the affected foot
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Tenderness when you touch the ankle
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Swelling
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Bruising
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Restricted range of motion
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Instability in the ankle
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Popping sensation or sound at the time of injury
Possible Treatments
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Rest. Avoid activities that cause pain, swelling or discomfort.
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Ice. Use an ice pack or ice slush bath immediately for 15 to 20 minutes and repeat every two to three hours while you're awake. If you have vascular disease, diabetes or decreased sensation, talk with your doctor before applying ice.
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Compression. To help stop swelling, compress the ankle with an elastic bandage until the swelling stops. Don't hinder circulation by wrapping too tightly. Begin wrapping at the end farthest from your heart.
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Elevation. To reduce swelling, elevate your ankle above the level of your heart, especially at night. Gravity helps reduce swelling by draining excess fluid.
Muscle Sprains
Common Symptoms
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Signs and symptoms will vary, depending on the severity of the injury, and may include:
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Pain
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Swelling
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Bruising
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Limited ability to move the affected area
Possible Treatments
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Rest. Avoid activities that cause pain, swelling or discomfort.
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Ice. Use an ice pack or ice slush bath immediately for 15 to 20 minutes and repeat every two to three hours while you're awake. If you have vascular disease, diabetes or decreased sensation, talk with your doctor before applying ice.
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Compression. To help stop swelling, compress the ankle with an elastic bandage until the swelling stops. Don't hinder circulation by wrapping too tightly. Begin wrapping at the end farthest from your heart.
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Elevation. To reduce swelling, elevate your ankle above the level of your heart, especially at night. Gravity helps reduce swelling by draining excess fluid
Mild sprains can be treated at home. But the injuries that cause sprains can also cause serious injuries, such as fractures. You should see a doctor if you:
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Can't move or bear weight on the affected area
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Have pain directly over the bones of an injured area
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Have numbness in any part of the injured area