Many a soccer player has regretted not wearing soccer socks and shin guards as soon as they sustain foot and leg injuries. Studies show that 50 to 80% of soccer injuries involve the lower extremities. Lower leg injuries can be prevented, in part, simply by protecting them by means of a combination of soccer socks and shin guards.
The value of soccer socks and shin guards should never be underestimated. Here are some common foot and leg injuries that could be prevented by the simple act of wearing the aforementioned reliable duo.
Blisters
Blisters are painful serum-filled swellings caused by forceful friction, as what happens when the foot rubs repeatedly against the inner lining of the shoe. A well-fitting pair of soccer shoes coupled with a moisture-wicking and moderately thick pair of soccer socks prevents the occurrence of blisters by cushioning the foot against friction and managing moisture.
Bruises on the legs
Soccer is a foot and leg-centric sport and the legs, especially the shin, often receive repeated physical impact from kicks, blows or awkward movements. Having on a pair of guards that are held in place by full-length soccer socks helps a lot in buffering the impact of kicks and preventing bruise formation.
Ankle injuries
Some of the most common problems in soccer are ankle injuries. Because the ankles are a movable joint that are often used in soccer, they are inadvertently hit by kicks or twisted during awkward movements. Putting on shin guards that come equipped with ankle guards serve to shield the delicate ankle area from impact.
Ankle sprain is the most common soccer injury and is caused by stretched or torn ligaments surrounding the ankle joint. Well-fitting soccer cleats, quality soccer socks and an ankle guard help to prevent ankle sprains.
Shin fracture
Fracture of the tibia--one of the bones comprising the shin-- is one of the most severe injuries in professional soccer and is brought on by a direct blow, usually a kick. In professional games, wearing of shin guards underneath soccer socks is an absolute requirement and is probably the one thing that's needed to prevent fracture of the shin.
Imagine the full force of a hefty soccer player's kick hitting the shin and you will realize how vital shin guards are for the player's safety. With shin guards on, the shin could sustain only a bruise or a muscle soreness, but without protection, the bone could very likely fracture.
After years of coaching and cheering for his children's teams, Tim Barth founded Team Warehouse in 2004 to help bring fun stuff to sports. Specializing in funky socks and uniforms for soccer, volleyball, softball and more, Team Warehouse has served over 68,000 happy customers.
