How to Prevent Football Injuries

football injuries

Football is a high-contact sport and even with helmets, pads and braces, traumatic injuries are common. Injuries are primarily caused by direct force and occur during practice or games.

Fractures, sprains and dislocations are common football injuries. The combination of running, jumping and full body contact puts athletes at risk for limb fractures and broken bones. These injuries can be very serious and can limit a player’s ability to play the game.

Shoulder injuries are also very common in football players. Athletes can suffer from shoulder separations or dislocations as well as rotator cuff contusions and posterior instability of the shoulder. Quarterbacks are at particularly high risk for these types of injuries due to the throwing motion of the ball.

Neck injuries are also a concern for football players. These can include whiplash, which occurs when a player experiences a hyperextension of the neck from a tackle. Athletes can also develop a herniated disk in the spine which can cause pain and limited mobility.

Athletes can suffer from knee injuries as well. ACL tears, which are a major injury, can be very severe and require surgery to repair. PCL tears are less common and can happen when a knee is struck at an awkward angle. Other knee injuries include meniscus tears and patellar tendonitis.

Ankle and foot injuries are also common for football players. This is especially true for offensive and defensive lineman, as they are often required to push or pull a heavy amount of weight over extended periods of time during a game. Foot and ankle injuries can range from sprains to fractures and tendonitis.

Head injuries are a very serious issue in football and are known as concussions. These are a type of traumatic brain injury and can disrupt normal brain functions and cause confusion, loss of balance, memory and concentration. It is recommended that all players get a physical and mental evaluation before starting the season to determine their level of health and fitness as well as identify any potential problems, such as a herniated disc, which could increase the likelihood of injury.

The most important factor in preventing football injuries is to properly warm up and stretch before and after each practice or game. It is also important to wear proper protective equipment and remain hydrated during games. The intensity of the game and hot summer temperatures can quickly cause an athlete to overheat which increases their risk for injury. It is essential that all athletes are taught how to play the game safely and understand the rules and regulations of the sport. By being properly educated, injured players can return to the field as soon as their symptoms improve. For mild to moderate injuries, non-surgical treatment such as PRICE and physical therapy are usually sufficient to speed up the recovery process and allow the athlete to return to play sooner. For severe injuries, surgery or more invasive solutions may be necessary. However, with proper medical care and a return to normal activity, many patients can successfully recover from football injuries and resume their daily activities.