Super Bowl: Common Injuries in American Football

The Super Bowl is just around the corner! If you're a fan of American football, you know how intense and demanding this sport is for athletes. But did you know that certain injuries are particularly common among professional players? Here’s an overview of the most frequent injuries and some tips on how to prevent them.

Most Common Injuries in American Football

Lower-body injuries are the most prevalent in American football, mainly due to quick direction changes, high-impact collisions, and explosive sprints. Among the most frequent injuries are:

• Knee sprains
• Meniscus injuries
• Achilles tendon ruptures
• Ankle sprains
• Muscle strains (hamstring or groin pulls)

The Impact of Playing Surface: Natural vs. Synthetic Turf

Did you know that the type of playing surface can influence injury risk? Several studies* have shown that synthetic fields are more likely to contribute to injuries than natural grass.

• A 2024 study analyzing lower-body injuries requiring surgery during the 2021 and 2022 NFL seasons found that ACL reconstructions were more frequent on synthetic turf (30 cases) than on natural grass (17 cases).*
• A 2012 study revealed that between 2000 and 2009, ankle and knee injuries were 22% more common on FieldTurf compared to natural grass.*

While synthetic fields have improved over the years, they still pose a higher risk for certain injuries.

How to Minimize the Risk of Injury?

If you play football or any other sport that involves quick direction changes and contact, here are some key tips to reduce your risk of injury:

1. Wear the right footwear: Use cleats designed specifically for synthetic fields to improve stability and reduce the risk of sprains.
2. Work on balance and proprioception: Strengthen your ankles, knees, and stabilizing muscles with single-leg balance exercises and proprioceptive drills.
3. Follow a proper training regimen: A good conditioning program that includes strength training and explosive movement exercises will help you absorb impacts and change direction more efficiently.
4. Consult professionals: Our kinesiologists and physiotherapists can help you optimize your physical preparation and correct potential weaknesses to lower your injury risk.

Football is a demanding sport, but with proper preparation, you can minimize risks and fully enjoy the game! Don’t hesitate to book an appointment with our experts for a personalized assessment.

Article written by Marie-Hélène Cummins, physiotherapist.

*Sources:

• Lower Extremity Injury Rates on Artificial Turf Versus Natural Grass Surfaces in the National Football League During the 2021 and 2022 Seasons Nikit Venishetty et al  / 2024 Aug 29
• Hershman EB, Anderson R, Bergfeld JA, et al. An analysis of specific lower extremity injury rates on grass and FieldTurf playing surfaces in National Football League games: 2000-2009 seasons. Am J Sports Med. 2012;40(10):2200-2205. doi: 10.1177/0363546512458888 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]