Do you know the most common injuries in American Football?

Even though players wear a ton of gear when running out on the football field, injuries still happen.  

Ankle sprains, muscle strains, knee injuries, and overuse injuries in the shoulder area are among the most common moderate injuries in the sport. Unfortunately, more severe injuries such as concussions, knee injuries, and Achilles injuries are also common in the world of the NFL.

Let’s look at some of the most common injuries in American Football.

Concussions: Concussions are a significant concern in football due to the high-impact nature of the sport. They occur when the brain is jolted inside the skull, often from a blow to the head. Concussions can have serious short-term and long-term consequences for players.

ACL Tears: Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee are common in football, particularly among players who must make sudden stops, cuts, or changes in direction. ACL tears often require surgery and extensive rehabilitation to recover fully.

Sprains and Strains: Sprains involve stretching or tearing ligaments, while strains involve stretching or tearing muscles or tendons. These injuries can occur in various parts of the body, including the ankles, knees, shoulders, and hamstrings. One of the most common is the Achilles tendon.

Ankle Injuries: Football players frequently suffer from ankle sprains or even fractures due to quick changes in direction and high-impact collisions on the field.

Shoulder Injuries: Football players are prone to shoulder injuries, including dislocations, separations, and rotator cuff tears, particularly among positions that involve frequent tackling, blocking, or throwing.

Hamstring Injuries: Hamstring strains are common among athletes who must sprint or perform explosive movements. These injuries can sideline players for several weeks or even months, depending on their severity.

Back Injuries: Football players are at risk of various back injuries, including herniated discs, strains, and fractures, often due to the physical demands and collisions involved in the sport.

Hand and Wrist Injuries: These injuries can occur from contact with other players, tackling, or falling to the ground. Fractures, sprains, and dislocations are common in football.

While football can be hard on your body, any sport can result in an injury. Stretching and taking precautions are very beneficial when playing any sport, but especially American Football.