Football Injuries

Although football is a violent sport, it does not lead the sports injury list. There is a higher rate of injury in gymnasts and in aerobic instructors. Since football is a collision sport, all injuries that are not slight bumps or bruises should be evaluated by a trainer, nurse, EMT, or physician.

Head and neck injuries are the most devastating football injuries. Head injury rates have decreased with todays well padded helmets. Neck injuries that can result in death or paralysis are fortunately rare. This type of injury can usually be avoided by proper tackling techniques.

The shoulder injury most commonly seen in football is a shoulder separation. This is a form of ligament sprain in the shoulder. Most require just protective padding, ice, and measures for pain control. Some more severe ligament tears may require surgery. Another less common injury is a shoulder dislocation. This may be a partial or complete dislocation. A complete dislocation must be manipulated back into socket by a doctor.

Football is a lifting sport and back injuries do occur. Most are muscle strains. A more serious condition is a fracture to the vertebrae (bone) of the back. Another injury may cause one of these bones to slip over another in the spine. This is called spondylolysis and if this fracture does not heal football will need to be discontinued in most cases.

Hip pointers are bruise to the pelvis bone. Bruised ribs and kidneys can also occur. wrist sprains are seen in many linemen with present blocking styles. Quad muscle bruises and leg muscle pulls occur commonly. These areas need to be protected with well fitted pads.

Knee injuries can be mild to varying degrees of severity. Some ligament sprains just require rest. A tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) usually requires reconstructive surgery. With the latest surgical procedures, these athletes can return to sports in about six months. Dislocations of the knee-cap are common football injury. Braces are sometimes used after an injury to protect the knee. Braces may also be used to prevent injury. All knee injuries should be evaluated by a specialist in the treatment of knee injuries.

Ankle injury is usually in the form of varying degrees of ligament tears. Fractures are not uncommon. Any ankle injury with accompanied swelling should have an xray and evaluation by a doctor. Usually a specialist should be consulted as these injuries are often under-treated.

Achilles tendinitis, pain in the tendon above the heel, is common. Heel pain and arch pain are also common. An arch support will usually help these problems.

Preventing all football injuries is impossible. Appropriate equipment is a must. Following coaches instruction, especially with tackling and blocking techniques, will help avoid many injuries. A very important injury prevention measure is stretching and conditioning of the upper and lower extremities and the back. A good off-season and in-season strengthening program is needed.

Medical supervision at games and practice is important. The availability of medical attention at games at all levels is needed. Without proper screening of injuries, many injuries are aggravated or additional injuries are suffered by the athlete.

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