Common Football Injuries
Football is a rough, full-contact sport. The nature of the sport leaves the whole body at risk for injury. Despite the advancements in the equipment used (helmets, pads, braces, supports) and the combination of the size of the players, the speed of play, and the physical nature of the game, injuries are a quite common part of the game.
Sprains and strains are the most common types of football injuries. Quick and proper diagnosis of these injuries leads to early treatment which is best accomplished by the “R.I.C.E.” method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation).
Fractures are another common football injury accounting for one quarter of all serious football injuries (i.e. injuries that require hospital care), and commonly include the fingers, wrists, and legs.
Concussions are a prevalent injury in football due to the full contact nature of the sport. Any unusual symptoms that arise following a hit should be examined by a medical professional as soon as possible.
Head
- Concussion
Shoulder
- Rotator Cuff Tear
- Shoulder Labral Tears
- Shoulder AC Joint Sprain/Separation
- Shoulder Dislocation
Wrist
- Scaphoid Fracture
Hip
- Labral Tear
Knee
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tear
- Medial Collateral Ligament Sprain (MCL)
- Cartilage Lesions
- Meniscus Tears
- Osgood-Schlatter Disease
- Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) of the Knee
- Patellar Dislocation
- Patellar Tendinitis (Jumper’s Knee)
- Patellofemoral Pain (Kneecap)
Lower Leg
- Exertional Compartment Syndrome
- Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (aka “shin splints”)
Ankle
- High Ankle Sprains – Syndesmosis Sprains