Author: Blake Princinsky
As the season for football and other fall sports are in full motion, medical professionals urge athletes to take precautions to avoid injuries and stay healthy throughout the season.
“As athletes transition into their fall seasons, we start to see knee ligament and meniscus injuries, as well as shoulder instability and hip or ankle strains,” said Dr. Sheeba Joseph, orthopedic and sports medicine specialist at MSU Health Care. “Early in the season, athletes who may not have conditioned adequately over the summer are also more susceptible to strains, sprains, and other preventable injuries.”
While football and other contact sports naturally carry higher injury risks, non-contact athletes are not immune. Sports such as volleyball, tennis, and cross-country can lead to overuse injuries and repetitive stress problems, especially when athletes have not followed proper training or preparation routines.
Dr. Joseph, who also serves as a team physician for Michigan State University Athletics, performs orthopedic sports surgeries at McLaren Greater Lansing and says those facing new or chronic injuries have a variety of treatment options available.
“The best treatment approach is an individualized one predicated on the severity of the injury, the individual’s response to conservative measures like rest, ice, elevation and over-the-counter adjuncts, and the athlete’s functional ability after the injury,” said Dr. Joseph.
Some of the most common surgical procedures performed during the fall season include ACL reconstructions, meniscus repairs, cartilage restoration, shoulder stabilization surgeries, hip procedures, and fracture stabilization. Nonoperative care, such as physical therapy, bracing, or rest, remains an important first step, and sometimes can be successfully definitive treatment for certain patients as well.
“Recovery and rehabilitation are just as important as the treatment itself,” Dr. Joseph said. “Rebuilding motion, strength, endurance, and confidence ensures athletes return to play not just quickly, but safely.”
While some injuries are unavoidable, prevention remains the best approach. Balanced conditioning, cross-training, proper nutrition, hydration, and recovery strategies all play roles in lowering risk. Warm-up and cool-down routines are also essential for preparing the body before competition and helping it recover afterward.
“The body often gives early signals that something is wrong,” said Dr. Joseph. “Persistent or recurring pain, or sharp discomfort that limits movement, should never be ignored. Recognizing these warning signs early and seeking evaluation can prevent minor issues from becoming more serious.”
McLaren is a proud to be the official orthopedic and sports medicine partner of MSU Athletics – keeping you in the game through advanced treatment for quicker recovery. For more information about McLaren Greater Lansing’s orthopedic and sports medicine institute, click here.