The intense thrill of
a football game makes it one of the most popular sports in the country.
However, the physical demands of this high-energy sport make players especially
prone to orthopedic injuries. With football season at last, it is
important to know about common injuries that you should avoid on the field:
·
Meniscus Tear
The piece of cartilage that cushions your knee joint is called the meniscus. Players who experience knee pain may be suffering from meniscus tears. This injury can easily occur during a football game if you accidentally twist your upper leg while your foot is firmly planted. The forceful rotation can cause an immediate locking of your knee, or may simply make you feel weak if the injury is small.
The piece of cartilage that cushions your knee joint is called the meniscus. Players who experience knee pain may be suffering from meniscus tears. This injury can easily occur during a football game if you accidentally twist your upper leg while your foot is firmly planted. The forceful rotation can cause an immediate locking of your knee, or may simply make you feel weak if the injury is small.
·
Ankle Sprain
An ankle sprain is a very common injury that occurs when the ligaments surrounding the ankle joint are overstretched. Depending on the severity of the sprain, you could seriously hinder your ability to walk. Football players who accidentally apply pressure to the foot while it is in an inverted position can bring on an ankle sprain. This often happens while running and losing a step.
An ankle sprain is a very common injury that occurs when the ligaments surrounding the ankle joint are overstretched. Depending on the severity of the sprain, you could seriously hinder your ability to walk. Football players who accidentally apply pressure to the foot while it is in an inverted position can bring on an ankle sprain. This often happens while running and losing a step.
·
Achilles Tendonitis
Active runners are most likely to experience Achilles tendonitis. The Achilles tendon joins the calf and lower leg muscles to the heel of the foot. While it is structurally important, it is also one of the most vulnerable tendons in your body. Overrunning can lead to inflammation—a painful symptom that worsens if you continue exerting physical activity.
Active runners are most likely to experience Achilles tendonitis. The Achilles tendon joins the calf and lower leg muscles to the heel of the foot. While it is structurally important, it is also one of the most vulnerable tendons in your body. Overrunning can lead to inflammation—a painful symptom that worsens if you continue exerting physical activity.
·
Herniated Disc
The tackling elements in football can put significant pressure on your back if you’re not careful. Repeated or sudden strain on your back could put you at risk for a herniated disc. When the discs in your spinal column are damaged, you may experience severe aching or the inability to straighten your back.
The tackling elements in football can put significant pressure on your back if you’re not careful. Repeated or sudden strain on your back could put you at risk for a herniated disc. When the discs in your spinal column are damaged, you may experience severe aching or the inability to straighten your back.
The best way to avoid
these common sports injuries is to implement proper stretching and exercise
techniques before practice. You can learn more about sports medicine by
consulting the team at TOCA. Our orthopedic specialists are committed to
the prevention and treatment of sports injuries in Arizona—we are even the team
physicians for The Phoenix Suns, ASU, and The Phoenix Mercury. Call us at (602) 277- 6211 today.