Participating
in various sports is a great way to get exercise and recreation. As fall
approaches, many turn to the sport of American Football. There are two ways to
enjoy football: one is the passive “armchair quarterback,” and the other is
active participation. I choose to participate, which means I need to wear
protective equipment, train, and decrease my risk of injuries. Whether you are
maintaining your daily exercise routine or training for professional sports,
when done properly, participation in sports enhances your physical
coordination, fitness, sense of accomplishment, and even your physical and
emotional development. Most sports injuries are usually preventable. Football injuries occur during games and practices due to the combination of high speeds and full contacts. The force applied to either bringing an opponent to the ground or resisting being brought to the ground makes football players prone to injury anywhere in their bodies. While traumatic injuries such as concussion can occur and have been in the news lately, this article is more about overuse or repetitive injuries.
Knee injuries in football are the most common, especially those to the anterior or posterior cruciate ligament (ACL/PCL) and to the meniscus (or knee cartilage.) Patellar tendonitis, shin splints, and general knee pain is also common. Football players have a higher chance of ankle sprains due to the surfaces played on and the cutting motions employed. Pelvic and hip injuries can also occur, varying from muscle pulls to groin pain. Shoulder and acromioclavicular (AC) joint injuries happen especially in offensive and defensive linemen. One of the most reported complaints in football players is low-back pain when the player exceeds his ability for the body to recover. And one must not forget that heat injuries, muscle cramps, and dehydration can also occur.
How can Football Injuries be prevented?
- Have a pre-season health and wellness evaluation by a competent health professional
- Perform proper warm-up, stretching, and cool-down routines
- Consistently incorporate strength training and stretching
- Hydrate adequately to maintain health and minimize cramps
- Wear properly fitted protective equipment, such as helmet, pads, mouth guards, etc.
- Tackle with the head up and do not lead with the helmet
- Take small injuries seriously and treat muscle strains, joint pain, skeletal and back pain before they become significant.
- Regularly see your chiropractic physician, sports medicine professional or athletic trainer if you have any concerns about football injuries or prevention strategies.
Here at The Joint in Sugar House,
we are once again pleased to participate in the Highland High School football
program. As part of our support of the
Salt Lake City community, we provide free ankle and foot adjustments to the
student athletes. Statistics have demonstrated that by stabilizing the foot and
ankle, football related injuries are significantly decreased. Go Rams!
-Michael
Lindstrom, D.C.
Chiropractic Physician
