Football's high speed and fierce contact is famous for producing injuries. Knee injuries are common in football players, with knee sprains being even more common because both potential risk factors of high stress movement and direct contact are at work.
About Knee Sprains
According to Drugs.com, a sprained knee means that one or more of the knee ligaments are stretched or partially torn. Knee ligaments keep the joint in line by supporting the bones and enabling you to move your knee and leg. Four ligaments exist in the knee, all of which can be sprained while playing football.
Football Higher Risk
Knee sprains are more likely in activities that put extra stress on the knee or any activity that can result in a direct hit to the knee. Football fits the bill on both. Sprains are common in football because of the running, planting, stopping, starting and changes in direction. In addition, football players are often at increased risk because of the potential to take a hit to the knee at any time from a tackler or blocker.
Symptoms
Sprained knees are fairly easy to diagnose -- the main sensation a player will feel immediately is pain in the knee. According to Drugs.com, bruising or swelling because of ligament bleeding could present itself in a couple of hours. Players might also hear a pop, have a stiff feeling or lack of movement and have the knee buckle or feel unstable after the injury.
Treatment and Prevention
Treatment and recovery for football players depends on the severity of the injury. The most severe injuries can require crutches and a brace until the pain and swelling subsides. Less severe sprains might only require ice and a short rehabilitation period of a few days before you can participate again. Drugs.com suggests strengthening the muscles of the leg, stretching, warming up and wearing shoes that fit properly and have support to decrease the likelihood of a knee sprain.
