Published on September 05, 2025

Staying Strong on the Field: Preventing the Top 3 High School Football Injuries

By Dr. Caleb Piatt, Orthopedic Surgeon and Zizzer Team Physician

Coach on field

Friday night lights bring out the best in our athletes—teamwork, determination, and the pursuit of excellence. But with every tackle, sprint, and block, there’s also the risk of injury. As the Zizzer Team Physician, I’m proud to be on the sidelines at every home game, making sure our athletes get the care they need. Today, I want to highlight three of the most common injuries in high school football—and how we can help prevent them.

1. Muscle Cramps (Charlie Horses)

Every athlete knows the sudden, sharp pain of a “charlie horse.” These muscle cramps usually occur in the thigh or calf and are often caused by dehydration, fatigue, or lack of proper stretching.

Prevention Tips:

  • Stay well-hydrated before, during, and after practice or games.
  • Eat foods rich in potassium and magnesium, like bananas and leafy greens.
  • Warm up properly with dynamic stretches before activity, and cool down after.

On the sidelines: Gentle stretching and massage, along with hydration, usually help athletes return to play quickly.

2. Sprained Ankles

Football puts a lot of stress on the lower body, and ankle sprains are one of the most frequent injuries. A sudden twist or awkward landing can stretch or tear the ligaments that support the ankle.

Prevention Tips:

  • Wear supportive, well-fitted cleats.
  • Use ankle braces or athletic tape if you’ve had previous sprains.
  • Strengthen the muscles around the ankle with balance and stability exercises.

On the sidelines: Ice, compression, and rest are key in the short term. Severe sprains may need medical evaluation to rule out fractures.

3. Shoulder Injuries

From tackles to hard landings, the shoulders take a lot of impact in football. Dislocations, separations, and strains are common in contact sports.

Prevention Tips:

  • Focus on upper body strength, especially the rotator cuff and shoulder stabilizers.
  • Practice proper tackling technique to minimize direct impact.
  • Never play through persistent shoulder pain—early treatment prevents worse injuries.

On the sidelines: Quick evaluation ensures we know if the injury is mild or if the athlete needs further medical care.

Final Thoughts

Football is a demanding sport, but with preparation, training, and awareness, we can greatly reduce the risk of injury. My goal—whether in the operating room, the clinic, or on the sidelines with the Zizzers—is to keep our athletes safe, strong, and ready to play the game they love.

Stay hydrated, train smart, and take care of your body—you only get one.

— Dr. Caleb Piatt
Orthopedic Surgeon, Ozarks Healthcare
Team Physician, West Plains High School Zizzers