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Football Injuries
Football is a rough sport, and despite the protective gear comprising of helmets, pads, braces, and supports, injuries are a common part of the game. Some factors such as the size of the players speed of play, and physical nature of the game causes injuries to the payers and thus makes it common to some extent.
Some of the common injuries occurring in football are:
Turf Toe
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 Tear
The anterior cruciate ligament is the most commonly injured ligament in the knee. Often seen in football players, this injury can sideline an athlete for months or longer. When seen with an MCL injury and meniscus tear, this is called the unhappy triad.
Burner or Stinger
The condition called a burner or stinger is common in contact sports, especially football. Burners and stingers are due to either stretch or compression of the brachial plexus. Burners cause pain shooting down the affected arm.
Sprains and Strains
Sprains and strains are the most common type of football injury. Treatment of sprains and strains usually is best accomplished by the "R.I.C.E." method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate).
Fractures
Fractures account for one quarter of all serious football injuries (i.e. injuries that require hospital care). Commonly fractured bones include the finger, wrist, and leg.
Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis is a painful condition of the tendon in the back of the ankle. Left untreated, Achilles tendonitis can lead to an increased risk of Achilles tendon rupture.
Ankle Sprain
Ankle sprains are common injuries that football players experience. Early recognition and treatment of this problem speed recovery from ankle ligament injuries.
Torn Cartilage
A cartilage tear in the knee occurs when the meniscus is injured. The meniscuses in the knee are two circular pieces of cartilage that both cushion and support the knee joint. A meniscus injury is also part of the unhappy triad.
Hip Pointer
The diagnosis of a hip pointer implies is a bone bruise, or possibly a fracture, of the pelvis. This sort of an injury could occur due to a football tackle.
Concussions
Concussions are caused by a blow to the head. The injury could cause some level of impairment of brain functions. Symptoms for concussions may include confusion, short term memory problems, and loss of consciousness.
Spine Injuries
Spine injuries are a rare, but highly publicized, injury seen in all levels of football. These injuries are almost always seen when defensive players are in the act of tackling.