Common Injuries Playing Basketball

Around 92% of all basketball players will have an ankle sprain at least one time during their playing career. Most basketball injuries are sprains, strains or contusions (muscle damage by impact) meaning the most common injured area for basketball players are either their ankle or knee. Here are the typical injuries found in basketball and what to do if they occur.

Sprained Ankle

One of the most frequent injuries is when a player rolls their ankle - where the sole of the foot faces inwards. This type of injury causes damage to the anterior talofibular ligament and in some cases the calcaneofibular ligament. This can be a very painful injury and it is best practice to have the foot x-rayed for any fracture. Reduce any swelling by applying ice.  When the player starts to get over the initial injury, it is advised to begin a vigorous rehabilitation program in order to restore full movement and strength. This is vital to prevent reoccurrence of the same injury as the initial injury causes weakness in the ligaments.

Patella Tendinitis

Patella tendinitis is nasty basketball injury within the knee, also known as jumpers knee because of the repetitive nature of jumping in the sport. The injury occurs most commonly during bounding and jumping movements, which creates micro tears to the tendon. If you don't respond to this injury early, it will most likely create much more significant damage in the long run.

Contusions

Contusions occur when there is strong clash against another player's knee or elbow. As a result damage occurs to the blood vessels that are within the muscles and in the underlying bone. This damage can vary depending on depth of the contact. If you find you have had a contusion, it is crucial you apply the RICE guidelines immediately (rest, ice, compression, elevation). Left alone a contusion can develop into a myositis ossificans.

Finger Injury

Another common injury are jammed fingers while playing basketball. Damage to your fingers or hands can create long-term damage. The extent a jammed injury can range from swelling through to dislocated, fractured or broken fingers. Depending on the damage will tell you whether you should seek medical attention or follow the RICE protocol. Wrist injuries are common, too.

Preventing Basketball Injuries

At the end of the day you want to be fit and healthy everyday so you can reach your potential when playing basketball. The following are recommended safety precautions that will help you prevent future basketball injuries.

1) Ensure you warm up before playing either as practice or in competitive play. Create a routine stretching exercise.

2) Ensure you are wearing supportive basketball shoes that have skid-resistant soles. You are putting yourself at undue risk by using incorrect footwear.

3) If you are new player, try to develop a good technique.  Developing bad habits could be creating long-term damage for your basketball career.

4) When you are about to start playing, take a quick look around on the court and make sure there are no slippery puddles or debris.

5) And finally look into wearing added safety protection, including a mouthguard or facemask. If you respect your health, you need to look after it to prevent basketball injuries from occurring.

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