Tackling Football Injuries

Football injuries are often the most severe when the intensity of a game is at its highest. Competition can be fierce, and this contributes to more severe injuries.

The most common injuries in these intense periods of gameplay include:

• Head injuries, including concussions and other head trauma
• ACL, MCL, and other knee ligament tears
• Ankle sprains and fractures
• Shoulder injuries, including dislocations, separations, and rotator cuff tears
• Soft-tissue injuries, including muscle strains, pulls, and contusions

To help reduce the risk of these injuries, our sports medicine experts encourage keeping the following in mind:

Warming Up Is Crucial: A thorough warm-up routine is essential to prepare the body for the game's demands and reduce the risk of injuries.

Master Proper Technique: Focusing on proper tackling and blocking techniques, such as maintaining a low pad level and avoiding head-to-head contact, can significantly decrease injury risk.

Build Strength and Conditioning: A strong core, powerful legs, and overall body resilience can better protect players from the physical stresses of the game.

Prioritize Rest and Recovery: Adequate sleep and recovery time between practices and games are vital for optimal performance and injury prevention.

Not all injuries can be avoided for football teams. If you have a player with an injury, call Desert Orthopaedic Center at (702) 731-4088 and ask for our sports medicine experts.