Fall Football, Fewer Injuries: What Every Parent Should Know

Football season is back, which means busy practices, packed game schedules and plenty of excitement for student-athletes and their families. It also means the body is being asked to handle a lot of repetitive stress—from sprinting and cutting to lifting, tackling and absorbing contact.

While football injuries can't always be prevented, parents can play an important role in recognizing potential problems before they become season-ending issues.

Start with the hips and groin- Football players spend a lot of time accelerating, changing direction and moving laterally. Tightness or weakness around the hips and groin can make those movements more difficult and may affect how an athlete moves.

Don't overlook the knees- Running and cutting place significant demands on the knees. Strong hips and legs, good balance and proper movement mechanics all contribute to an athlete's ability to control their body when stopping and changing direction.

Keep an eye on the ankles- An old ankle injury doesn't necessarily mean an athlete is fully recovered. Limited mobility, weakness or poor balance can continue after the pain has disappeared. Previous injuries deserve attention when a new season begins.

Remember the shoulders- Tackling, blocking and falling put the shoulders through plenty of stress. Persistent pain, weakness or a noticeable change in shoulder movement shouldn't simply be written off as part of playing football.

And don't forget the low back-

Football combines strength training, running, contact and repetitive loading. Occasional muscle soreness is expected, but persistent back pain shouldn't be something an athlete is simply expected to play through.

Perhaps the most important thing parents can do is listen. If your athlete says something doesn't feel right, ask questions. Is the pain getting better or worse? Does it change how they run, lift or play? Is it affecting sleep or everyday activities?

The goal isn't to keep young athletes on the sidelines. It's to help them stay strong, mobile and confident so they can enjoy the sport they love.

This fall, cheer loudly, encourage recovery and remind your athlete that taking care of their body is part of being a great athlete.