General

Authors: Dr. Benjamin Rogers, MD and Dr. Stephen Stache, MD 

Introduction 

Rothman Orthopedics is proud to serve as the Official Orthopedic Partner for Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer. With soccer season quickly approaching, we are here to offer guidance for both injury prevention and treatment. Soccer is a high intensity, contact sport that carries a risk of acute and chronic injury. Commonly occurring soccer injuries range from simple muscle strains and contusions to complex ligament or tendon tears and ruptures, as well as to concussions. Given the nature of the sport, injuries of the lower extremity including the Hip, Knee, Foot and Ankle tend to be more frequently reported. Staying active, healthy, and on the field are important components of long-term athletic development, psychosocial wellbeing, and love of the game. Our Sports Medicine team at Rothman Orthopedics is determined to help make that possible.  

Common Causes of Injury 

For the adolescent athlete, there are several risk factors unique to this athletic population that are worth considering for injury prevention. Some common causes of injury to consider in youth soccer include: 

• Inadequate warm-up or cool-down routines 

• Poor flexibility and lack of strength/conditioning  

• Overuse and lack of rest  

• Improper technique and ill-fitting equipment 

• Playing through pain or fatigue 

Injury Prevention 

It is the primary goal of our Sports Medicine team at Rothman Orthopedics to assist in injury prevention and to keep our athletes on the field. There are a multitude of standardized injury prevention programs that are validated for elite youth soccer athletes. Here are some general tips to consider for injury prevention, which also may in turn optimize performance: 

• Prioritize proper warm-up and cool-down by utilizing dynamic stretching programming before and after training sessions and competitive play  

• Focus on strength and conditioning with a special emphasis on progressive core stabilization, plyometrics, and neuromuscular training  

• Promote sound technique and form with aid from teammates, coaches, and parents  

• Use the right equipment and ensure appropriate fitting attire/footwear  

• Don’t skip rest and recovery, or train beyond your limits 

• Prioritize proper hydration and nutrition  

When to See a Professional 

At Rothman Orthopedics, we specialize in the treatment of both acute and chronic injuries. Although we recognize the desire of our athletes to stay on the pitch, it is important to communicate with coaches and parents if you are dealing with an injury that is compromising performance. We encourage seeking evaluation at one of our practice locations for any new injuries that limit your ability to play, or any lingering injuries that seem to be getting worse. Identifying injuries quickly helps our team coordinate individualized rehabilitation plans to get our athletes back on the field as soon as possible. For traumatic head or bone injuries, we always recommend seeking care at your nearest emergency department.  

Conclusion  

In summary, it is important to be mindful of the factors that contribute to injury risk, the techniques of injury prevention, and to recognize when it is time to seek professional evaluation. Players should speak up to parents and/or coaches if they are dealing with an injury that is affecting their play. For members of the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer community who wish to make an appointment with a member of our Sports Medicine team, you can use our Fast Scheduler Program to get quick access to expert care. Or, for situations where you need answers to orthopedic questions use RothmanNow to get free, 24/7/365 virtual after-hours access to orthopedic specialists.