3 Common Football Injuries

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With post-season football in full swing, a quick look at the NFL Injury Report reveals some injuries that turn up repeatedly for players of this popular sport. At Texas Foot Specialists, we know you don’t have to be an NFL pro to suffer these common sports injuries. Whether you’re a backyard player or just an interested fan, below are 3 injuries frequently suffered by football players.

Ankle Sprains and Fractures

The quick side-to-side moves and forceful tackles featured in football increase the risk of an ankle injury. Ankle injuries can range in severity from minor to very severe. In some cases, a fracture may occur at the same time, when a small piece of bone is pulled off a tendon or ligament due to the extreme force of a twisting injury. Unfortunately, the symptom severity may not correlate with the severity of the injury. In some cases, ankle sprains may feel better by the second day and that can lead patients to delay seeking treatment. Common symptoms of a sprain or fracture can include any of the following:

  • Pain

  • Swelling

  • Bruising

  • Difficulty bearing weight (although some patients are able to walk on a fractured ankle!)

It’s best if you believe you’ve suffered a sprain to get your ankle evaluated by our podiatrists, Dr. Bruce Miller and Dr. Gregory Mangum. The foot doctor will use physical examination, x-rays, and other diagnostics to determine the extent of the injury and will then prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Achilles Tendonitis

The Achilles tendon runs along the back of your lower leg from your calf to your heel. While it’s the longest and strongest tendon in the body, it’s also the most commonly injured. Overuse of the tendon, such as strenuous and sustained hill running or stair climbing, can cause inflammation and pain. If ignored, Achilles tendonitis can lead to a complete rupture, which is an extremely debilitating injury.

Turf Toe

This is basically a sprain of the big toe and football players are notoriously susceptible to turf toe. Repetitive pushing off with the toe when running or jumping can be a cause of turf toe. Another cause is jamming the toe into the ground when the foot stops but the body keeps going. This happens more frequently on artificial turf, which is where the condition gets its name.

Sports injuries require prompt treatment so, if you’ve sustained an injury please contact our Sugar Land 281-242-4448, Pasadena 281-991-0600, or Houston 713-664-6677 offices to schedule a consultation as soon as possible.