Trips and falls are an active part of the game of soccer and unfortunately, players are exposed to numerous injuries during practice and games. After suffering a broken wrist on the soccer field, one may wonder whether staying on remains an option.

This article answers the question “Can You Play Soccer With a Broken Wrist?” by revealing why medical professionals and referees allow players reeling from the symptoms of the popular injury to continue participating in games if they’re up for it.

Can You Play Soccer With A Broken Wrist?

Soccer players with a broken wrist may be allowed to play as long as the short-arm cast is sufficiently padded to protect against further escalation. The medics can advise against playing when necessary and most referees will allow players on the field as long as they wear the recommended arm casts.

Obviously, the nature of the wrist injury and the player’s pain levels may determine whether continuing to play is an option. However, most referees won’t stand in a player’s way as long as the right medical equipment is worn to protect the injured wrists and other players on the field.

But, players can request to be taken off games when wrist injuries occur and they may have to undergo treatment for about a week before training and gameplay resumes.

Can You Play Soccer With A Cast?

Most referees allow professional soccer players with a cast on the field as long as the cast is given the green light by medical professionals and features the necessary padding to protect the injury from exacerbating.

Many soccer associations around the world have no active rules against players appearing in games with arm casts as long as mandatory equipment like jerseys, socks, and shin guards are worn. If you feel able to play and your doctor has no issues with it, wearing an an arm cast for a soccer game is not impossible.

Can My Kid Play Soccer With A Cast?

Casts and splints are banned in most youth soccer training and games around the world and injured kids are advised to heal completely from broken wrists or hands before resuming play.

Even high school soccer players are not allowed on the field due to the risk of escalating the injury or accidentally harming other players with the hard arm casts. The National Federation of State High School Associations rules are outlined below.

Athletes with uncovered hand and arm casts are unable to participate due to the risk of injury to other players. The hardness of a cast presents a threat to the other athletes competing.

(Source)

What Are The Most Common Types of Wrist Injuries Soccer Players Suffer?

Soccer players can be susceptible to many physical injuries due to the heavy contact nature of the sport. Here are a few common wrist injuries playing the game of soccer could expose you to.

Colles Fractures

Colles Fractures occur when the radius bone in the wrist breaks resulting in injury. The number one cause of the fractures is falling and common symptoms include bruising, swelling, tenderness, and unbearable pain.

Deformed wrists may occur when the fall is severe and treatment is delayed. Colles Fractures occur in many forms depending on the severity of the injury and which surrounding bones are affected.

Often, doctors place the affected wrists in a cast to reset the bones but surgery could be necessary depending on the nature of the injury. (Source)

Dislocated Wrists

Dislocations may occur from wrist sprains that arise when a soccer player lands awkwardly after a fall. It effectively describes out-of-place movements of the carpal bones in the wrists from damaged ligaments.

Dislocated wrists can cause debilitating pain each time the hands are moved sideways or up and down. Additional symptoms such as bruising, numbness, and swelling are common.

Treatment options include resetting the dislocated carpal bones back to their original position by an orthopedic hand surgeon, in a process known medically as a “reduction”.

The affected wrist may be placed in a cast or the new positions after the “reduction” could be kept in place with pins and screws until the damaged ligaments are healed.

Wrist Sprains

Sprains are probably the most common type of wrist injury among soccer players. They occur from the stretching or tearing of the ligaments linking the bones and joints in the wrist.

Many soccer players land on outstretched hands during falls and slips resulting in wrist sprains. Bruising, immobility, pain, swelling, and weakness are common symptoms of wrist sprains.

Diagnostic examinations like MRIs or X-Rays may be conducted by your doctor to verify the extent of the injury and prescribe potential solutions.

Sprains are the least serious wrist injuries soccer players could suffer and icing the affected area together with getting lots of rest is usually all it takes for complete healing.

Players may require the wearing of a cast or surgery to correct the damaged ligaments in a few instances but they are relatively rare.

How To Minimize The Risk of Hand and Wrist Injuries in Soccer

Trips and falls may be inevitable as a soccer player but there are ways to minimize the risk of hand and wrist injuries on the field and a few are discussed below.

Wear The Right Soccer Cleats

Soccer cleats provide traction to help players stay on their feet during games. Wearing the wrong cleats may expose players to a high probability of falls leading to hand and wrist injuries.

Adapting your cleats to the nature of the field of play can be smart. For instance, most soccer players wear soft ground cleats for training and playing games on muddy fields. They may not be your favorite type but they can offer the right stability to minimize injuries resulting from slips and falls.

Play On The Right Field

The choice of the field may not always be up to amateur or soccer players but avoid playing in fields that expose you to a higher risk of falls and trips when possible. This includes neighborhood soccer fields that may not be in great shape due to lack of maintenance.

Avoid Playing In Harsh Weather If Possible

Playing soccer in the rain and heavy snow could expose players to an increased risk of slipping and falling resulting in wrist injuries.

While the decision to continue games in the rain or snow is the prerogative of referees, avoid training on your own or engaging in kickabouts with friends in non-suitable weather.

Rest Well To Aid Your Post-Game Recovery

Training and playing soccer can take a huge toll on the body which is why constant rest is critical to a player’s recovery. Sleep and other forms of rest could speed up the recovery process after each practice session or game.

Avoid staying up late and incorporate light physical activity such as running, light gym work, and stretching during your days off.

Tape Your Hands and Wrists

Have you noticed players like Neymar Jr. and Luis Suarez playing with taped wrists every time? They are meant to protect their wrists from fractures and sprains during awkward landings from falls.

Goalkeepers are required to tape their wrists and hands for additional support during diving and stretching to catch balls. Collisions with teammates and opponents are also common and goalkeepers need all the support they can get in such scenarios.

Conclusion

Soccer players may be able to play with wrist injuries depending on the extent of the situation and the wearing of proper protective gear. Most referees allow players wearing casts featuring the required padding to participate in games without hesitation.

The cast may be examined by the referee prior to kickoff to verify that it meets safety requirements. Be sure to get the green light from your surgeon before resuming training and playing with a wrist cast.