Miami – Soccer is one of the most widely played sports in the world, but it is also one that causes a high number of injuries due to sudden changes in direction, speed, jumping, and physical contact.
The excitement of the 2026 World Cup plays out in stadiums and on television screens, but also on the streets, where millions of children, young people, and adults share in the tournament’s thrills and try to replicate the moves of their idols.
“In this regard, it is important to note that the five most frequent injuries are ankle sprains, muscle injuries—such as hamstring or quadriceps tears—knee injuries (including the anterior cruciate ligament), meniscus injuries, and contusions or direct blows,” explains Dr. Naim Dahdah, an internist and founder of D-Clinik.
The expert notes that an ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments stabilizing the joint are stretched or torn, usually due to a misstep or a sudden change in movement. Meanwhile, muscle injuries often result from fatigue, a lack of warm-up, or physical overload, while knee injuries are common during sudden turns or improper landings.
“The best prevention includes a proper warm-up, muscle strengthening, adequate hydration, sufficient rest, and the use of correct technique during training and competition,” states Dr. Dahdah.
Specifically, he adds, it can be difficult to distinguish a sprain from a fracture based solely on symptoms, as both can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty walking.
“However, a fracture usually causes more intense pain, an inability to bear weight on the foot, and tenderness directly over the bone,” he points out.
In medicine, clinical criteria known as the Ottawa Rules are used to determine when X-rays are necessary. “If there is pain over specific bony areas, or if the person cannot walk at least four steps after the injury, it is important to rule out a fracture. Therefore, in the event of a significant ankle injury, medical evaluation is essential to establish a correct diagnosis and avoid complications,” he notes.
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