For the past 20 years, soccer’s popularity has flourished across the United States. Fan viewership reached record levels, the MLS grew exponentially, and youth participation surpassed football and baseball. With the European championships, Copa America, and Olympics all taking place this past summer, and the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, soccer is more prominent in American culture than ever before.
However, with the boom in popularity comes a new set of challenges. One of the largest is prevention and treatment plans for injuries associated with playing soccer. While soccer has some similarities to the other 4 major U.S. sports, playing seriously or casually, places stress on a new group of muscles that can lead to potential injury. Here are 5 of the most common injuries today’s soccer players encounter.
Concussions – Not Only for Football Players
While concussions are often associated with sports like football and basketball, concussions are also prevalent in soccer. The risk associated with heading the ball alongside the danger of being kicked or elbowed in the head leads to as many as 22% of all soccer-related injuries being concussions. Women are particularly at risk, as they are up to three times more likely as men to encounter a concussion while playing soccer.
While concussions are common, soccer federations took steps to prevent them. In the United States, heading the ball is limited or banned until kids turn the age of 13. At the professional level, the concussion substitution was written into the official international rulebook. When playing at a recreational level, players may use a slightly underinflated ball which some studies claim can reduce risk.
Recovery from a concussion is a long and frustrating process. Players can be out of action from 1 week up to an entire month, depending on the severity. Players who get one concussion are also more susceptible to concussions in the future. Treatment plans for concussions often include avoiding light with extended periods of rest while some clinics recommend cold therapy treatment. Find Mueller products that utilize cold therapy here.
Sprained Ankles Lead to Weakened Ligaments Over Time
A sprained ankle is another one of the most common soccer injuries. A sprained ankle occurs when one of the ligaments in the ankle is stretched out of its normal position or torn. In soccer, this often happens when a player lands awkwardly after jumping or goes in for a slide tackle. It is immediately noticeable to the player due to the sharp pain caused by the sprain.
There are several different grades to an ankle sprain ranging from a grade 1, mild sprain, to a grade 3, full tear or rupture. The severity of the sprain affects the recovery time which can be as short as a week to as long as several months.
To treat an ankle sprain, players use a combination of rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) among other treatment options. Some athletes also opt to use sports medicine products like ankle braces to aid in the prevention of a sprain. Find Mueller ankle braces here. Players should always consult a doctor before beginning any course of medical treatment.
Stress Fractures Are Nothing to Ignore
Stress fractures, which are small cracks in the bone, occur in soccer players through repetitive high-impact motions like running and jumping. Overtraining, insufficient rest, and playing on hard surfaces further increase the risk of a stress fracture. Stress fractures often take place in the lower leg, where players support the weight of their entire body.
Treatment for stress fractures primarily involve rest alongside the use of crutches or a protective boot. Pain management through ice and anti-inflammatory medications can also help, followed by physical therapy to restore strength and flexibility gradually.
Ways to prevent stress fractures include maintaining a balanced training schedule with rest periods, proper warm-ups, and strength training. A healthy and balanced diet will also support bone health, while appropriate footwear and suitable playing surfaces help reduce risk. Monitoring early signs of pain and fatigue while avoiding playing through severe pain will also help reduce risk.
Calf Strains Are a Consequence of Improper Warm Up
Calf strains in soccer players often occur due to the game’s demand for sudden sprints, quick changes in direction, and frequent jumping. These activities can overstretch or tear the calf muscles, particularly if players do not warm up properly or if they have underlying muscle fatigue. The rapid acceleration and deceleration can put extra stress on the calf muscles, which makes them more susceptible to strains.
Like ankle sprains, there are different grades of calf strains. Treatment for a mild calf strain typically involves rest and ice to reduce swelling. A more severe calf strain, however, can require surgery. Taking precaution when treating all strains is crucial as strains not healing properly can lead to a complete calf tear.
The ways to prevent calf strains include extensive stretches, wearing the correct footwear, and resting between practices/games. Maintaining a strong calf muscle is also crucial to reducing risk of a calf strain.
Plantar Fasciitis is Foot Inflammation that Goes Unnoticed or Untreated
Plantar Fasciitis is inflammation in the tissue that connects the toes of your foot to the heel of your foot. This tissue is called the plantar fascia. Tension and excess stress on the Plantar Fascia can cause it to tear. Repeated tearing of this tissue results in plantar fasciitis. The long-distance running and the tendency of some soccer players to play through pain results in soccer players becoming particularly susceptible to Plantar Fasciitis.
Treatment for plantar fasciitis typically begins with lighter measures aimed at reducing stress in the heel. Applying ice, taking anti-inflammatory medications, and performing specific stretches alleviate symptoms. People dealing with Plantar Fasciitis can also utilize compression devices to help improve blood flow in their lower legs which helps alleviate swelling. Find a variety of Mueller compression devices here.
As soccer continues to gain popularity in the US, these injuries may become more and more common. The most important thing any player can do is listen to their body’s signals. Tell a coach or consult a doctor if something starts to hurt so you can get back to playing the “beautiful game” pain free.