Major League Soccer Season Kicks Off: We Tell You How to Avoid Soccer Injuries
Get ready soccer fans: the 2013 Major League Soccer season has begun, kicking off on March 2nd! You‘ve got several months of fast-paced action ahead of you, and whether you play soccer on a regular basis, are re-enacting those games played by our own Toronto FC, or just like to kick the ball around with friends on Sunday afternoon, this time of year – and the start of the season – always ramps up the excitement for this sport.
Along with the excitement, the start of soccer season also ushers in a new season of common soccer injuries. No matter what level you participate in, your chances of suffering a soccer injury are worth paying attention to. We‘ve got some tips to help you avoid sprains and strains that soccer is known for.
Some of the most common soccer injuries are the sprains and strains that stem from overuse. Overuse injuries happen when there is frequent stress on the muscles, soft tissues and joints. Without enough time to heal, these sprains and strains, which can start off as small aches and pains, can become much worse if untreated.
So how can you avoid these injuries and play a full season, injury-free?
Be physically active. Don‘t go back to the field at full tilt after an extended period of time off. Make sure that you gradually work your body back to regular play, so your sprains and strains are kept at bay. Also, make sure that you are stretching both before and after each game.
Make sure that you are wearing the right equipment – the right cleats and breathable gear – and that the conditions are proper. If your shoes are too tight, or too loose, your whole body will suffer. If the rain poured down on the field the day before leaving it a veritable pond, slips and falls can easily lead to soccer injuries.
And what if you‘ve taken proper precautionary measures and still find yourself in pain? If you suffer from an ache or pain that doesn‘t seem to want to go away, you may want to seek medical attention. An underlying problem that requires treatment which hasn‘t been identified or addressed by a doctor can quickly become serious. Rather than ignoring sprains and strains or brushing them off as annoyances or merely stiff muscles, give them the attention they need to heal properly. And strike the right balance between resting, stretching, exercising and actually playing the sport itself.
Just because you‘re not a regular David Beckham out on the pitch, doesn‘t mean that you are immune to the most common soccer injuries involving sprains and strains. Make sure that you are prepared before heading out to play. And if you suffer an injury, always seek medical attention immediately to avoid long-term impact.
For more information about preventing soccer injuries, such as sprains as strains or to treat a sports injury, contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine at 416 800 0800, or visit www.aesmphysiotherapytoronto.ca