Sports injuries: What we can learn from the World Cup

Soccer fans around the world have caught World Cup fever. The bug has even bit us here at Community Health Network. Many of our employees gather at Indy Eleven watch parties around Indianapolis to cheer on Team USA.

The high-intensity games played at the World Cup are a thrill to watch, but can make players susceptible to common soccer injuries. Despite the training these professional athletes undergo, injuries still occur, as we witnessed in the United States first match against Ghana. Jozy Altidore suffered a hamstring injury and Clint Dempsey left the game with a broken nose.

So, we asked Dr. Michael DaRosa, sports medicine physician and team physician to the Indy Eleven for Community, to share the most common injuries in soccer.

"A hamstring injury like the one Altidore experienced is actually quite common," said DaRosa. "Also seen often in the sport of soccer are ankle sprains, knee sprains and concussions."

The following are the most common injuries occurring in soccer:

• Ankle sprain
• Knee sprain (ACL injuries are more common in female soccer players than males)
• Concussion
• Achilles tendonitis
• Hamstring, abductor and quad strains
• Lower leg contusion
• Muscle cramps

Whether you're playing soccer in your backyard or at the World Cup, it is important that you take the steps necessary to keep your body healthy and in good physical condition. Dr. DaRosa said the following will help you stay in good physical shape:

• Stay hydrated.
• Perform the proper strengthening, conditioning, and flexibility exercises before playing.
• Use the correct heading technique.
• Wear ankle braces if you have previous ankle sprains.
• Undergo the proper rehab or physical therapy if you have an injury.
• Wear equipment that fits correctly.

To learn more about Community Sports Medicine, visit our website or call 800-777-7775.