Common Injuries During Football Season

Football Injuries to Look Out for

Whether you're playing football for fun with your friends or you're playing professionally, this contact sport can cause a myriad of injuries. The health experts at Northern Inyo Hospital are here to outline some common football injuries to keep on your radar this season.

Concussion

Concussions are relatively common injuries amongst football players and other athletes who participate in contact sports. Concussions are mild traumatic brain injuries (TBI) that happen when a hit or jolt to the body or head causes the brain to move around in the skull.

Some of the most common concussion symptoms include:

• Headache.
• Feeling “pressure” in the head.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Dizziness.
• Doubled or blurred vision.
• Confusion.
• Memory issues.
• Not “feeling right.”

Although these injuries are considered “mild,” concussions are still considered serious. If you think you or your child may have a concussion, seek medical attention as quickly as possible.

Knee Injuries

With plenty of tackling, jumping, and diving—it’s no surprise that football players also experience a high volume of knee injuries. More often than not, football-related knee injuries include:

• MCL (medial collateral ligament) sprain
• MCL (medial collateral ligament) tear
• ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tear

More often than not, these types of knee injuries result in the instability of the knee and require physical therapy and/or surgery as a form of treatment.

Shoulder Dislocation

With such high contact in football, dislocated shoulders are a common occurrence. A dislocation happens when the head of your upper arm is partially or completely displaced from your shoulder socket from external force.

While the shoulders are very mobile joints that can twist and turn in many directions, they are also fairly easy to dislocate. Dislocations happen when the head of your upper arm is either partially or completely displaced from your shoulder socket.

Signs of shoulder dislocation include:

• Visible deformity of the shoulder.
• Swelling and inflammation.
• Numbness and weakness.
• Bruising and redness.

If you or your child experiences a shoulder dislocation, it is important to seek emergency medical attention.

Orthopedic Care & Rehabilitation Services in Bishop, CA

At Northern Inyo Healthcare District, our team of orthopedists and rehabilitation specialists takes a holistic approach to care, focusing on you as a whole person rather than specific symptoms or conditions. Whether you’re suffering from aches and pains or mobility issues, we’re here to help improve your quality of life.

For more information about the orthopedic care and rehabilitation services at Northern Inyo Healthcare District or to schedule an appointment, call (760) 873-2605.