World Cup Fever Triggers 'Itchy Feet' – Doctor Warns of Top 5 Soccer Injuries
Key facts
- World Cup Fever Triggers 'Itchy Feet' – Doctor Warns of Top 5 Soccer Injuries
- With World Cup excitement driving more people to play soccer, Dr. Chen Chien-cheng from Jen-Ai Hospital warns of common sports injuries. The top injuries include hamstring strains, ankle sprains, and knee cartilage damage.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: June 17, 2026
Direct answer
With World Cup excitement driving more people to play soccer, Dr. Chen Chien-cheng from Jen-Ai Hospital warns of common sports injuries. The top injuries include hamstring strains, ankle sprains, and knee cartilage damage.
- Citation
- World Cup Fever Triggers 'Itchy Feet' – Doctor Warns of Top 5 Soccer Injuries (June 17, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- June 17, 2026
With World Cup excitement driving more people to play soccer, Dr. Chen Chien-cheng from Jen-Ai Hospital warns of common sports injuries. The top injuries include hamstring strains, ankle sprains, and knee cartilage damage.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 17, 2026 at 18:34
- 🔍 Collected: June 17, 2026 at 18:45 (11 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 19, 2026 at 06:37 (35h 52m after Collected)
Central News Agency
(Taipei, June 17, Central News Agency reporter Shen Pei-yao) As the world goes wild for the FIFA World Cup, many are feeling 'itchy feet' and eager to join the game. However, doctors warn that this enthusiasm could lead to sports injuries. Dr. Chen Chien-cheng, Director of the Sports Rehabilitation Division at Jen-Ai Hospital, states that the most common soccer injuries are: 1st – hamstring muscle strain, 2nd – ankle sprain, and 3rd to 5th – all related to knee cartilage damage, including articular cartilage, meniscus, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL).
Chen emphasized that soccer is a continuous, high-intensity sport that pushes the human body to its limits. Unlike other sports where the lower body provides stability or hands protect the head, soccer prohibits hand use, making it uniquely challenging and exciting.
While knee injuries are most prevalent, Chen clarified the broader injury ranking: hamstring strain ranks first, followed by ankle sprain. Positions three to five all involve knee cartilage injuries. The knee joint consists of three main bones: the patella on top, two menisci in the middle, and articular cartilage below, which absorb shock during running and jumping. During intense movements, the medial collateral ligament, meniscus, and ACL often get injured together—a combination known as the 'unhappy triad.'
Chen also warned that spectacular high-difficulty moves, while thrilling to watch, carry significant injury risks. For example, a poorly executed bicycle kick could injure the coccyx upon landing, and heading the ball may cause concussions.
To relieve post-game muscle soreness, Chen recommends electrolyte drinks, alternating cold and warm baths, and elevating the legs against a wall. For muscle fatigue and lactic acid buildup, heat therapy, massage, and stretching are effective. In cases of intense exercise leading to chronic tendon inflammation, initial ice therapy for 48 hours is advised, followed by contrast therapy: 10 minutes of heat, 7–10 minutes of ice, and ending with warm therapy.
Chen cautioned against the popular 'bloodletting' therapy for sports injuries, stating it lacks scientific basis and cannot remove internal joint bleeding. Instead, he recommends gua sha, which promotes lymphatic and subcutaneous fluid drainage, effectively reducing muscle fatigue. (Edited by Lung Po-an) 1150617
(Taipei, June 17, Central News Agency reporter Shen Pei-yao) As the world goes wild for the FIFA World Cup, many are feeling 'itchy feet' and eager to join the game. However, doctors warn that this enthusiasm could lead to sports injuries. Dr. Chen Chien-cheng, Director of the Sports Rehabilitation Division at Jen-Ai Hospital, states that the most common soccer injuries are: 1st – hamstring muscle strain, 2nd – ankle sprain, and 3rd to 5th – all related to knee cartilage damage, including articular cartilage, meniscus, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL).
Chen emphasized that soccer is a continuous, high-intensity sport that pushes the human body to its limits. Unlike other sports where the lower body provides stability or hands protect the head, soccer prohibits hand use, making it uniquely challenging and exciting.
While knee injuries are most prevalent, Chen clarified the broader injury ranking: hamstring strain ranks first, followed by ankle sprain. Positions three to five all involve knee cartilage injuries. The knee joint consists of three main bones: the patella on top, two menisci in the middle, and articular cartilage below, which absorb shock during running and jumping. During intense movements, the medial collateral ligament, meniscus, and ACL often get injured together—a combination known as the 'unhappy triad.'
Chen also warned that spectacular high-difficulty moves, while thrilling to watch, carry significant injury risks. For example, a poorly executed bicycle kick could injure the coccyx upon landing, and heading the ball may cause concussions.
To relieve post-game muscle soreness, Chen recommends electrolyte drinks, alternating cold and warm baths, and elevating the legs against a wall. For muscle fatigue and lactic acid buildup, heat therapy, massage, and stretching are effective. In cases of intense exercise leading to chronic tendon inflammation, initial ice therapy for 48 hours is advised, followed by contrast therapy: 10 minutes of heat, 7–10 minutes of ice, and ending with warm therapy.
Chen cautioned against the popular 'bloodletting' therapy for sports injuries, stating it lacks scientific basis and cannot remove internal joint bleeding. Instead, he recommends gua sha, which promotes lymphatic and subcutaneous fluid drainage, effectively reducing muscle fatigue. (Edited by Lung Po-an) 1150617
FAQ
What is the most common soccer injury?
The most common injury is hamstring strain, followed by ankle sprain and knee cartilage damage.
What should beginners watch out for when playing soccer?
Avoid sudden intense play. Always warm up and listen to your body to prevent injury.
What is the 'unhappy triad' in soccer injuries?
It's a simultaneous injury to the MCL, meniscus, and ACL, often caused by strong tackles.
How to relieve muscle soreness after playing soccer?
Electrolyte drinks, contrast baths, leg elevation, massage, and stretching help recovery.
Is 'bloodletting therapy' effective for sports injuries?
No scientific basis. Gua sha is a better alternative for reducing muscle fatigue.