Soccer is an international sport that is quickly growing and gaining player of all ages, genders, and skill levels. With an increase in players also comes an increase in the potential for injuries to occur. It is important to understand and examine the common injuries and their mechanisms in soccer in order to prevent future injuries from happening, as well as having proper treatment plans in place for when injury occurs. Not only can this understanding impact the future health of individual soccer athletes, but it can also help in the wider healthcare umbrella of care and prevention. Being able to treat or prevent injuries can lessen the financial burden of a significant injury …show more content…
These are the two joints that are the least protected in terms of muscle mass and structural support. These are also the two joints that have the most force applied to them during change of direction movements, jumping, and contact. In a study conducted by Faude, et al., (2005), researchers found that 84% of injuries in soccer were traumatic acute injuries, most of which (58%) occurred during matches. A similar study also showed comparable results of 82% acute injuries in female soccer players (Giza, et al., 2005). Approximately 80% of all the injuries recorded during this study were in the lower extremity.
Ankle Injuries Ankle injuries are the second most common injuries found among female soccer athletes. With the most frequent injury being an ankle sprain. Risk factors for ankle injuries are both intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic factors may include previous history of injury, foot size, limb dominance, and inversion and eversion strength. Extrinsic factors include the type of cleat worn, exercise intensity, and the player’s position (Fong, et al., 2009). …show more content…
Ankle sprains are assessed using a grading system. This grading system indicates the severity of the sprain and can vary depending on which grading system is used. Generally, a lower number on the grading scale indicates a less severe sprain. The grade given is based on the clinical presentation of the injury, the apparent damage sustained, the loss of motor function and strength, the pain associated, and the sensitivity, swelling, and stability of the joint (Fong, et al.,