North American Police Soccer Tournament � Common Soccer Injuries That You Want to Watch Out For

Police throughout North America deserve kudos for their commitment to keeping us safe.� While a myriad of events help make Toronto famous, it�s our police that oversee each of them and ensure we enjoy them safely.� Police are an essential part of the fabric of our community.

For the past 32 years The North American Police Soccer Tournament has raised money for charities in need.� Each year The North American Police Soccer Tournament organizers select a truly needy charity for which they will raise funds. This year, Kidsport Ontario will be the beneficiary of The 2012 North American Police Soccer Tournament proceeds. Kidsport Ontario is a charity that provides financial assistance to kids across Ontario for registration fees and equipment.� Their mission is ensuring children can be active and engaged in sports even without the financial means to do so.

This year�s Toronto North American Police Soccer Tournament is slated for September 5th � 7th.� Over 30 police agencies will be participating, and you can offer support by attending and cheering teams on!�� Remember, the North American Police Soccer Tournament raises money for a very worthwhile cause. And it�s a lot of fun to watch, as many around the world know.

Soccer�s worldwide appeal is undeniable. Physical, financially affordable, strategic, fast-paced�what�s not to love? But any physical game presents risks for being injured, whether you�re a police officer in the North American Police Soccer Tournament or just a casual soccer player enjoying a game in the park.� It�s wise to be aware of common soccer injuries so that you can try to avoid them, identify them if one happens to you and know when and how to seek treatment.

Some of the most common soccer injuries or conditions plaguing soccer players include ankle sprains, tendonitis, concussions, pulled hamstrings, muscle cramps, blisters, plantar fasciitis, shin splints, stress fractures, strains and sprains, knee injuries like a torn ACL and torn knee cartilage and more. Sure seems like a long list, doesn�t it?! Recognizing that soccer is a very physical, quickly paced sport will help you understand why. Typically, common soccer injuries fall into one of two groups: cumulative or acute.

Common soccer injuries of a cumulative nature occur as the result of overuse of the joints, muscles and soft tissues repeatedly over time. What begins as a small re-occurring ache or pain can grow into a serious injury or condition if it is not treated.

Common soccer injuries that are acute happen from sudden impact or force. Acute injury pain can usually be felt immediately.

To avoid these kinds of common soccer injuries, basic measures can be taken: warm up before you play, use protective equipment, employ safe techniques for play, check the field before you play, play in proper� weather conditions, stay hydrated and stretch afterwards.� If you�re injured take time to rest and seek treatment for a full recovery before returning to the field.

Common soccer injuries can often be treated through physical therapy and rehabilitation, which is covered under most health plans.

For more information about treating common soccer injuries that are both painful and annoying, contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine at 416-800-0800 or visit www.aesm.ca