Although college and professional football is still a few weeks away, high school football is already underway. Two-a-days and up-downs can take a toll on your teen’s body, especially if they aren’t completely prepared for practice. Today, we take a look at some ways to help your child stay injury-free this football season.
Preventing Football Injuries
Here are some tips to stay out of the doctor’s office this football season.
Get a Helmet That Fits – If your high school reuses supplies like most do, there’s no guarantee that the helmet you’re handed is going to fit you perfectly, which may leave you open to a concussion. When you get a helmet, adjust it to fit your head, and have a trainer ensure it is snug in all the right places.
Wear a Mouthguard – Custom mouthguards have been showed to reduce the incidence of concussions, so go out and find a mouthguard that works for you. It just might help you stay on the field this season!
Stretch – The importance of warming up cannot be understated, especially if you’re doing early morning practices. After school, your body is a little more warm from the day’s activities, but the same can’t be said for early morning practices. All teams warm up prior to practice, but don’t slack off during this time. Really focus on getting your body ready for full speed.
Cleat Selection – As a foot and ankle blog, we’d be remiss if we didn’t focus on your feet. Similar to helmet selection, you want to make sure your feet are secure inside your shoe. Find a pair that fit your feet well, and make sure they have long enough spikes to grip the grass during rainy or muddy games.
Hydrate – Ensure that you’re getting enough fluids before, during and after practice. Drink a bottle of water before practice, stay hydrated during practice, and take down a bottle once practice has completed. Failing to stay hydrated can lead to cramps or muscle injuries.
Cool Down – Cooling down after practice is just as important as warming up prior to the session. Stretching after practice can help limit muscle soreness and fatigue. Take five minutes once practice is complete to stretch your muscles.
Report Any Injuries – Don’t try to play through extreme pain or discomfort. Most serious injuries are pretty easy to recognize because you’ll have a lot of pain in the area, but one injury that isn’t as easy to diagnose is a concussion. If you experience a “flash” sensation, lose consciousness or are having trouble focusing, alert your coach. Ignoring the problem can lead to an even bigger issue. If your injury is severe, schedule a consultation with a doctor.
