So why do Girls Have more Injuries Than Boys Playing Football?
Generally males possess a higher muscle to fat ratio than females after puberty, that is only one reason why their bodies can better endure the rigors of contact sports, such as football. The naturally higher level of testosterone in males adds muscle for greater strength, while girls, having a higher-level of estrogen are usually more flexible which makes their ligaments more supple. While a benefit in certain sports, this increased flexibility puts women at a higher injury risk in football since their lower muscle to fat ratio is less able to keep their joints in a stable, safe position.Women should also train much harder to acquire similar physical strength, an advantage that men enjoy naturally. Such wear & tear can further put women’s bodies vulnerable to serious injuries. Painful injuries, such as punctured anterior cruciate ligaments within their knees can result in a life-long problem. Football-playing girls will also be more likely to suffer from chronic knee pain, medial stress syndrome and stress fractures. Further, they are prone to ankle sprains, as well as hip and lower lower back pain. Long-term problems include arthritis pain.