Why Do Girls Get More Injuries Than Boys Playing Football?
Generally males have a higher muscle to fat ratio than females after puberty, which is just one reason why their bodies are able to better tolerate the rigors of contact sports, such as football. The naturally higher level of testosterone in males adds muscle for greater strength, while girls, with a higher level of estrogen are usually more flexible which makes their ligaments more supple. While an advantage in some 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 must also train much harder to obtain similar physical strength, an advantage that men enjoy naturally. Such wear & tear can further put women’s bodies at risk of serious injuries. Painful injuries, such as ruptured anterior cruciate ligaments in their knees can lead to a life-long problem. Football-playing girls are also more likely to suffer from chronic knee pain, shin splints and stre
