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First the men's soccer World Cup came to the U.S. in 1994. Then the U.S. women's national team won the World Cup in 1999 and again in 2015. The most popular sport in the world is getting plenty of attention in the U.S. these days, and more Americans are playing soccer than ever.
Soccer is a great way to build endurance, improve speed, and promote fitness, all while enjoying the camaraderie of a team sport. Soccer is a relatively safe activity, with an injury rate of one-fifth to one-half of that in American football. But you can still get hurt. Soccer involves quick start-and-stop motions and physical contact, which can lead to injury.
Risk of injury is no reason to not play soccer. Soccer players just need to be aware of the risks and know what steps they can take to play as safely as possible.
Common soccer injuries include:
For athletes who have experienced a sports-related injury, UPMC Sports Medicine's orthopaedic surgeons and board-certified physical therapists will help to speed recovery and restore function.
As with any sport, a good warm up is important to an injury-free soccer experience. Sports medicine experts recommend the following routine:
Finally, don't play if you are extremely tired and therefore more prone to injury. Hydration and good nutrition will help stave off early fatigue.
Individuals should consult a physician before beginning any kind of training or conditioning program.
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