Whether you’re a weekend soccer player enjoying Florida’s sunshine, a high school athlete, or a dedicated gym-goer, injuries can happen when you push your body to perform. From sprains to stress fractures, sports injuries can sideline even the most active individuals. Understanding the most common injuries—and how they’re treated—can help you recover faster and get back on the field.
- Hamstring Injuries
Hamstring strains or tears are among the most frequent injuries in soccer, track, and other sports that involve sudden sprints or quick changes of direction. They cause sharp pain at the back of the thigh, making running, jumping, and kicking difficult. Mild strains often improve with rest, ice, compression, and physical therapy to rebuild strength and flexibility, while severe tears may require bracing, targeted rehabilitation, or surgical repair to restore full function.
- ACL Tears
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) stabilizes the knee and is particularly at risk in soccer and other high-impact sports. Treatment depends on the injury’s severity. Some patients benefit from structured rehabilitation programs, while others require arthroscopic ACL reconstruction to restore knee stability, enabling athletes to return safely to their sport.
- Meniscus Tears
The meniscus cushions and stabilizes the knee joint. Twists, sudden stops, or collisions on the soccer field can lead to painful tears. Minor tears may improve with rest and physical therapy, while larger or complex tears often need arthroscopic surgery to repair or remove damaged tissue, restoring smooth joint motion and preventing long-term knee problems.
- Shoulder Injuries
Overhead athletes—such as swimmers, baseball players, and weight trainers—are prone to rotator cuff tears, shoulder impingement, and labral tears. Early injuries often respond to rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and strengthening exercises, but persistent pain or instability may require arthroscopic repair to restore full range of motion and strength.
- Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow
Repetitive gripping or wrist motions can cause tendon injuries on the elbow. Treatment includes rest, bracing, physical therapy, and in some cases, joint injections to promote healing. Resistant or severe cases may require minimally invasive tendon repair to alleviate pain and restore function.
- Stress Fractures
Stress fractures are small cracks in bones caused by repetitive stress, often affecting soccer players and runners. Treatment focuses on rest and activity modification, along with supportive footwear or a walking boot. Once healed, gradual reconditioning and strengthening exercises help prevent recurrence.
- Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains occur when ligaments are stretched or torn during twisting motions, common in soccer and basketball. Mild sprains typically heal with RICE and physical therapy, while severe or recurring sprains may require ankle stabilization surgery to restore stability and prevent chronic ankle issues.
Get Back in the Game Safely
Sports injuries can be frustrating, but getting the right care early makes all the difference. If you or your child is injured during a weekend game, our Urgent Care is open on Saturdays to provide fast, expert evaluation and treatment for sprains, fractures, and other sports injuries. Walk in after the game for on-site X-rays, splints, and early access to orthopedic specialists—no appointment needed.
For ongoing or more complex injuries, our sports medicine specialists create personalized recovery plans to help you heal safely and return to play with confidence.
Whether it’s an ankle sprain, shoulder strain, or knee injury, don’t wait in pain—visit our Urgent Care on Saturdays after the game or whenever you need expert orthopedic care to start your recovery.
AUTHOR: Gary Wexler, MD is a fellowship-trained sports medicine surgeon at Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute, who has received subspecialty training in the arthroscopic treatment of complex knee and shoulder injuries. Dr. Wexler finds that conservative care such as anti-inflammatory medicines, injections, therapy, braces and topical gels can often yield effective results.
