When the turf sticks, the injuries can follow
The debate over artificial turf versus natural grass has been around for years, but does the playing surface really make a difference when it comes to football injuries? On Injury Insights, Dr. Joseph Ramos and Zach Bye discuss the potential risks associated with artificial turf after experiencing both surfaces at NFL stadiums, including SoFi Stadium and Empower Field at Mile High. Dr. Ramos believes artificial turf can be harder on athletes because of its firmness and the way cleats interact with the surface. Unlike natural grass, which can give way and create a divot when a player plants or changes direction, artificial turf may hold onto a player’s cleats, transferring more of the resulting force into the lower extremity.
Dr. Ramos points to research suggesting that non-contact foot and ankle injuries may be 69% more likely on artificial turf than on natural grass, while the overall risk of non-contact injuries may be approximately 30% higher. When a player’s foot remains planted while the rest of the body rotates or changes direction, the resulting forces can place significant stress on the ankles, knees and other structures. Beyond the injury statistics, Dr. Ramos also shares observations from friends who play football, noting that recovery and soreness after games can feel noticeably different depending on whether they played on grass or turf. While playing surfaces are only one factor in sports injuries, understanding how they affect traction and force distribution is an important part of the ongoing conversation about athlete safety.
Key Insights
- The Surface Matters: Artificial turf and natural grass interact differently with an athlete’s cleats, potentially changing how forces travel through the body during football movements.
- Grass Gives Way: Natural grass can create a divot when a player plants a foot, helping dissipate some of the forces generated during sudden movements and changes in direction.
- Turf Holds On: Artificial turf can provide a firmer playing surface where cleats grip without the same give, potentially transferring more force into the athlete’s lower extremity.
- Ankle Injury Risk: Dr. Ramos cites research suggesting non-contact foot and ankle injuries are 69% more likely on artificial turf than on natural grass.
- A Bigger Injury Picture: The discussion also highlights research suggesting an approximately 30% higher risk of non-contact injuries overall on artificial turf compared with natural grass.
- The Morning After: Dr. Ramos shares that athletes he knows describe noticeable differences in soreness and recovery after playing on artificial turf versus natural grass.
