Fall Sports Injuries 

Rebecca Katzman, MD_editedBy Rebecca Katzman, MD

Fall brings many activities and traditions including fall sports and football. Whether you are playing a championship high school game or a pickup game with friends, sometimes injuries can happen, or you might need to seek medical care.

A brief discussion of medical terms to help you when you are talking with your doctor or other healthcare provider:

Our musculoskeletal system includes bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Most people are familiar with bones and muscles. Joints are where two or more bones come together and are usually a site of movement, such as the knee, shoulder, or wrist.  Ligaments connect bones to each other, and tendons connect muscles to bones. A fracture is another word for a broken bone. Broken bones in young people whose skeletons are still growing may not be as obvious as broken bones in adults. A sprain is usually an injury to a ligament, often stretching or inflammation. A strain is usually an injury to a muscle or tendon. Ligaments and tendons may also tear, although this is a lot less common and injuries we used to call tears we now know are more likely sprains and strains. A dislocation is when two bones that form a joint are out of their normal position in relation to each other.

Injuries may occur from repetitive movement, overuse, direct contact (tackles), falls, or plant-and-pivot movements.  It is good to get new pains checked out and evaluated. A pop or tear followed by sudden swelling and inability to use an extremity as usual should be evaluated quickly. Head, neck, and spine injuries require prompt and immediate assessment. Many injuries recover with appropriate attention and treatment. Often injuries can heal without needing surgery but sometimes may involve an orthopedic surgeon. Your healthcare team when recovering from an injury may include your family, coach, primary care provider, physical therapist, and you.

Getting adequate sleep, hydration, nutrition, and recovery time can help prevent injuries. Strengthening the muscles that support joints can help prevent injuries and speed recovery.  Building flexibility and improving balance should accompany building endurance and muscle strengthening. Wearing appropriate protective equipment for the sport you are doing can help reduce injuries. Sports are a great way to be physically active, often are an opportunity to be outdoors, and build teamwork. Like with many activities, taking a few basic precautions can help reduce the risk of injuries and allow everyone to enjoy.