Fall Is Football Time – Are Your Footballer’s Feet Ready?

Fall is in full swing, and football fans are flying their flags and wearing their team jerseys. Whether you follow professional football or cheer for your child’s high school team, if you’re like most of us, you’re looking forward to the football season. Today Dr. Joel Segalman, Dr. Stephen Lazaroff, and Dr. Brittany Ciaramello at Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC in New Haven County and Fairfield County share information regarding some of the most common football injuries.

Football is a physical and sometimes strenuous game. For children who spent the summer playing baseball and swimming, returning to football after such a long break can be a significant adjustment. Skills specific to the sport and muscle strength must be regained. Your high schooler is more likely to suffer an injury if he isn’t in good shape.

Players’ speed, proficiency level, experience, and size are all factors used in determining the severity and type of injuries that can happen. Here are the most common football injuries.

• Strains and sprains: A strain is an injury to a tendon or muscle while a sprain is an injury to a ligament that has been torn or stretched too far. Recurring activities can cause either problem.

• Turf toe: This type of injury is typically associated with athletes who play field sports. It is caused by over-extending the big toe or ramming it into the ground, resulting in swelling, stiffness, and pain. Several weeks of rehab are required to strengthen the muscles, and custom orthotics can provide support.

• Fractures: About a quarter of all football injuries are fractures, usually on a leg, finger, or wrist. How severe the break depends upon the force that resulted in the fracture and the strength of the bone. If no surgical intervention is required, fractures typically take 6 – 8 weeks to heal.

• Achilles rupture or tendinitis:Achilles tendinitis is prolonged swelling and inflammation of the largest tendon in the body. If left untreated, the tendon can rupture and require surgery and extensive rehab.

• ACL tear or sprain: The ACL is a major ligament located under the knee cap that connects your shinbone to your thigh bone. About 80 percent of this type of tear happens without contact. Major surgery is often required with a recovery period of six to nine months.

If your footballer is injured this season, trust his care to Dr. Joel Segalman, Dr. Stephen Lazaroff, and Dr. Brittany Ciaramello at Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC in New Haven County and Fairfield County. You can contact our Waterbury office at (203) 755-0489 or our Newtown office at (203) 270-6724.