Common Knee Injuries in Football
At South Island Orthopedics, we see numerous football players during and after the season, many of them with serious knee injuries. The knee is highly susceptible to fractures, dislocations, sprains and ligament tears, during a game of football. Any one of the knee’s four major parts – bones, cartilage, ligaments and tendons – are subject to some of the worst injuries football can deliver. A knee injury can sideline a player for an entire season, or even for life.
Most Common Knee Injuries in Football
Football can place a lot of stress on the knees due to sudden stops, twisting, tackling, and direct contact. Below are some of the most common knee injuries seen in football players.
Torn Meniscus
The meniscus is a piece of cartilage that acts as a cushion between the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia). A torn meniscus often happens when the knee twists or pivots while the foot is planted, which is common during tackles or quick direction changes.
Symptoms may include a popping sensation, pain, swelling, stiffness, or the knee feeling like it may give way. If a young athlete experiences these symptoms after an injury, a medical evaluation is important to determine the appropriate treatment and next steps.
ACL
ACL injuries often occur when an athlete suddenly changes direction, stops quickly, or lands improperly from a jump. These injuries are common in football due to the speed and physical contact involved in the sport.
ACL injuries may happen on their own or along with damage to other knee structures, such as the meniscus or cartilage. Symptoms can include a popping sound, swelling, instability, and difficulty continuing to play.
Collateral Ligaments
Collateral Ligament injuries happen when a force pushes the knee sideways. This commonly occurs during direct contact, such as a tackle to the inside or outside of the knee.
These injuries can cause pain, swelling, and limited movement. The severity can range from a mild stretch to a partial or complete tear, depending on the force of the impact.
Football Knee Injury Statistics
Knee injuries are among the most common injuries in American football, especially compared to other sports. Data from the U.S. high school injury surveillance system showed that football had the highest knee injury rate of all high school sports, with approximately 6.29 knee injuries per 10,000 athlete exposures (AEs) during competitions — more than any other sport studied.
In the same youth athlete data, 5,116 knee injuries were recorded across 17 million athlete exposures in a multi-year tracking effort. This reflects how frequently knees are affected in contact sports like football.
Data referenced from national high school sports injury surveillance programs supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Frequently Asked Questions About Knee Injuries
How to prevent knee injuries in football?
Knee injuries in football may be reduced by proper conditioning, strength training, stretching, and learning safe tackling and landing techniques. Wearing appropriate protective gear and allowing time for rest and recovery can also help.
How to treat knee injury from football?
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the injury and may include rest, ice, bracing, physical therapy, or medical evaluation. A doctor can recommend the most appropriate treatment plan after assessing the knee.
What causes knee injuries in football?
Knee injuries in football are often caused by sudden twisting, quick changes in direction, jumping and landing, or direct contact to the knee during tackles.
Why are knee injuries common in football?
Football places repeated stress on the knees through high-speed movements and physical contact. These forces can strain ligaments, cartilage, and other structures in the knee.
What increases chances for knee injuries in football?
Risk factors may include poor conditioning, muscle imbalances, fatigue, improper technique, previous injuries, and contact with other players during play.
When to Seek Care
If a football player experiences knee pain, swelling, instability, or trouble bearing weight after an injury, a medical evaluation can help determine the cause and guide treatment. Early assessment may help prevent further injury and support a safe return to activity. To request an appointment with our team of highly trained doctors, call us today at 516-295-0111.
Posted in: Knee, Sports Medicine