Between 10 and 30 percent of all injuries to high-school athletes are to the ankle, according to a study published in the March 2006 issue of the American Journal of Sports Medicine. Sprains are among the most common types of ankle injuries, and damage to the knee, shoulder and head also are common when playing football. Helmets and pads go a long way to safeguarding players but do not avert all types of football injuries.
Ankle Sprains
An ankle sprain is a common injury in football due to the high speed of some plays, combined with the quick cuts players wearing lightweight cleats must make on the turf. Football players may choose to wear ankle braces or have their ankles taped, but some players feel these safety measures decrease their speed or agility. A low-ankle sprain -- the most common type -- occurs when the foot turns inward and tears the ligaments on the outside of the ankle, while a high-ankle sprain involves the ankle turning outward, so the ligament damage is on the inside of the foot. Low-ankle sprains can keep athletes out of action for one to three weeks, while a high-ankle sprain can sideline a player for six weeks.
ACL Tear
Knee injuries, such as an anterior cruciate ligament tear, are among the most devastating injuries a football player can suffer. Rough play and hard tackles are always a risk, but an ACL tear can happen with no contact at all. If a player makes a cut and puts too much pressure on the ligament, it can tear. Running backs are especially prone to these types of knee injuries. Surgery and rehabilitation required after a ligament tear can cause a player to miss up to a full year of playing time.
Shoulder Injuries
Shoulder dislocations and separations are common on the football field, especially during tackles. Dislocation happens when the humerus, or upper arm bone, detaches completely from the shoulder socket, while a separation is only a partial detachment. Shoulder pads are designed to help prevent these injuries, but the sheer size of many players and the force they generate can cause these injuries to occur nonetheless. Surgery may be necessary to stabilize the shoulder, especially for repeat injuries; most players are out for four to six weeks after they regain full range of motion, depending on the severity of the injury.
Concussions
The seriousness of concussions at all levels of football became a hot topic after a 2009 study commissioned by the National Football League revealed that retired NFL players are 19 times more likely to develop memory-related diseases such as Alzheimer's. Concussions typically occur when the head is moving at a high speed and then is stopped abruptly and violently. The blow can affect brain cells and nerve receptors in the brain, causing symptoms such as blurred vision, confusion, memory loss and nausea. Severe concussions can lead to unconsciousness or even death. More than 60 percent of NFL players suffer a concussion at some point in their careers, according to a survey cited by the New York Times. The 2009 NFL study and similar investigations prompted new efforts to make the game safer for all players.
References
- "The American Journal of Sports Medicine"; Risk Factors for Noncontact Ankle Sprains in High School Athletes; Malachy P. McHugh, et al.; March 2006
- St. Louis Rams; Health and Wellness - High Ankle Sprains; Dr. Matt Matava
- St. Louis Rams; Health and Wellness - Shoulder Dislocations; Dr. Matt Matava
- Football 101; Knees and Cartilage; Mark Lawrence
- The New York Times; Head Injuries in Football; October 2010
