Football Injuries

Football Injuries
Despite the extensive use of protective pads, helmets and other gear, Football is a dangerous contact sport. When you consider the size of the players, their speed of play, and physical nature of the game makes football injuries quite common. Competitive football requires that its players be among the most well-conditioned athletes around testing your strength, speed, agility and endurance. Constant caused by twisting, turning, and physical pounding make football one of the most exciting games on two feet.

Sprains and strains are the most common type of football injury, while fractures account for only one quarter of all serious football injuries. Hamstring sprains ("pulls") are very frustrating stretches of the hamstring muscles. It is very difficult to predict return to sports after this injury—some heal within days, some take several weeks. Achilles tendonitis is a painful condition of the tendon in the back of the ankle, which can lead to an increased risk of Achilles tendon rupture. Turf toe is an injury to the base of the big toe. This condition is often caused by running or jumping on hard surfaces such as artificial turf. ACL tears can leave players on the sidelines with months of rehab therapy. The ACL allows us to plant a foot firmly on the ground, and change our direction. In other words, it allows the athlete to make a "cut." This is obviously important for a running back or receiver but is equally so in many other sports, and even in non-sports related daily activities. Torn knee cartilage from side impact injury or twisting is quite common.

There are two common types of shoulder injuries sustained in football; Shoulder dislocation and AC separation —aka "separated shoulder". This is a tear of the ligaments between the clavicle and acromion bone—which causes the clavicle (collar bone) to stick up. Most of these are treated without surgery, although rehabilitation is often required before returning to play.

Common Football Injuries—ACL tears • Ankle Sprains • Deep Tissue Bruises • Knee Sprains and Strains • Pinched Nerves • Turf Toe • Burner or Stinger conditions • Hip Pointer • Hamstring pulls