Participation in soccer is great fun and excellent exercise. Unfortunately, injuries do occur, and they most commonly occur below the belt line. Hip injuries usually involve muscles and tendons because the hip flexors generate kicking power. Treatment involves rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medication, and possibly a rehabilitation program. Before returning to action, a compression wrap or compression shorts are also helpful.
Knee injuries are common in soccer.
Most soccer injuries are non-contact, involving twisting stress to the knee. Meniscus tears cause a small or moderate amount of swelling, possibly locking or catching of the joint, and a sharp pain on the side of the knee. Treatment of significant meniscus tears usually requires arthroscopy. Arthroscopy involves looking inside the joint with a small telescope about half the diameter of a pen. Through small incisions, the meniscus tear can be repaired or partially removed.