As football season ramps up, so do the chances of injuries. Unfortunately, every year, high school football players are sidelined with injuries that could have been prevented. This blog post will discuss five tips for preventing high school football injuries. Follow these tips, and you’ll be on your way to a safe and injury-free season.
Sports Medicine: Preventing Injuries on the Field
Wear Proper Equipment
One of the best ways to prevent injuries in high school football is to wear the proper equipment, including a helmet, shoulder pads, mouth guard, and cleats. Wearing the appropriate gear can help protect you from head and neck injuries and broken bones.
Avoid Over-Training
Another great way to avoid football injuries is to ensure you don’t over-train. This is especially important in the off-season. Many players try to do too much too soon and end up hurting themselves. Instead, start slowly and increase your activity level gradually. Also, it’s best to give your body time to recover after each strenuous workout.
Stretch Before Each Game or Practice Session
Get in the habit of stretching muscles before each game or practice. Stretching helps loosen up the muscles and tendons, which can prevent injuries. Dynamic stretches, which involve moving the body through a series of range of motion exercises, are beneficial. A few examples include leg swings, high knees, and butt kicks.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration is one of the biggest causes of football injuries. Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, during practices and games is essential. Staying hydrated helps keep your body temperature down and prevents cramping. Here are some general rules to follow to stay hydrated while exercising.
Drink 17 to 20 ounces of water 2-3 hours before practice/game.
Drink 8 ounces of water while performing warm-ups.
Drink 7 to 10 ounces of water every 10 to 20 minutes during practice/game.
Take Breaks
In addition to practices and games, many high school football players also participate in summer camps and other training activities. While these can be great for improving your skills, they can also lead to burnout. So be sure to take some time off from football during the off season to rest your body and avoid injury.
Carolina Regional Orthopaedics, P.A.
Are you an athlete that has been prone to injuries? Carolina Regional Orthopaedics, P.A. is dedicated to helping our patients live pain-free and active lives. Our team is experienced in treating various conditions, including sports injuries, arthritis, and chronic pain. We offer a wide range of services, including physical therapy, pain management, and sports medicine. So, if you are suffering from a sports injury or any other orthopedic condition, Carolina Regional Orthopaedics, P.A. is the perfect place to get treatment. Contact us today at 252-443-0400 and set up an appointment. We’ll have you back in the game in no time.