Health & Parenting

Soccer's Popularity Spurs Youth Injuries

Types of Soccer Injuries continued...

The researchers say a common serious injury that doctors see is a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) -- a tear in one of the knee ligaments that joins the upper and lower leg bones.

Previous research has indicated that female collegiate soccer players have a 2.8 times greater risk of ACL rupture than male players do, the researchers write, but some evidence suggests the increased risk is closer to four to six times for females.

Soccer can be good for health, the researchers say, but children, adolescents, and young adults should be encouraged to participate often in other forms of physical activity in addition to soccer.