Ankle and ACL Injuries From Playing Soccer

23 Oct Ankle and ACL Injuries From Playing Soccer

Orthopedist in Wantagh

Soccer is a great sport for aerobic exercise while also gaining skills in team building. However, people who play sports, like soccer, should understand that being an athlete puts you at risk for a potential injury. Leg injuries are typically a common occurrence amongst most soccer players. This is because the sport requires the athlete to be frequently moving and using their legs extensively. The injuries suffered can vary from minor sprains, shin splints or in extreme circumstances a torn ACL. At Advanced Orthopedics & Joint Preservation, you can meet an orthopedist in Wantagh that specializes in ankle and ACL athletic injuries.

Ankle Sprains

Considered by some to be the most common ankle injury. It typically occurs when there is stretching and tearing of the ligaments surrounding the ankle joint. This usually happens when athletes miss a step or jump and land wrong. The severity of the injury varies depending on the tear of the ligament. Symptoms consist of extreme swelling and pain to the point where it’s very difficult or impossible to walk without assistance.

Treatment for Ankle Sprains

Minor sprains can be healed with ice, rest, compression and elevation. If it doesn’t heal with home treatments within 2-3 days, you should seek medical treatment. More extreme sprains can be healed with ankle sprain therapy. An orthopedist in Wantagh can help assist you with your ankle sprain by providing medical and at home treatments.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries

This is a common knee injury for athletes. Depending on the severity of the injury, you may need to have surgery in order to regain full function of your knee. This can be caused by landing wrong, stopping suddenly, or strong physical contact. Symptoms include extreme swelling, loss of full range of motion, tenderness in the knee, and discomfort while walking. If an ACL injury is ignored and you return to the field anyway, it can put you at risk for causing further damage to the knee.

Treatment for ACL Injuries

In most cases, a person who tears their ACL will need to get surgery because it’s almost impossible for it to heal on its own. The surgery consists of removing the torn ligament and replacing it with a tissue graft, which acts as a scaffolding for a new ligament to grow on. Whether you need surgery or not, physical therapy is crucial for rehabilitation so you can eventually walk normal again and play soccer.

If you are looking for an Orthopedist in Wantagh for your soccer injury, set up an appointment with our specialists at Advanced Orthopedics & Joint Preservation today!