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 Tri-County Orthopedics at (973) 538-2334 and ask for our Sports Medicine Center experts.