Basketball players often feel fatigued when they play aggressively on the court. During playing time, injuries are common, but many players tend to ignore them. However, neglecting an injury can lead to serious issues. To help you stay informed, I’ve provided information on the most common basketball injuries players face on the court, along with their treatments and prevention methods.
Table of Contents
Most Common Basketball Injuries, Preventions, and Treatments
Foot/Ankle Injuries
Ankle pain can result from abnormal foot and ankle joint movements, accidental stepping, rolling, or twisting, leading to misalignment and swelling. Recovery from such injuries may take 3 to 6 months.
Prevention and Treatment for foot injuries: To prevent ankle or foot injuries, it’s essential to wear the right basketball shoes for indoor and outdoor courts, as they provide better traction and prevent slipping. Additionally, using ankle support shoes can keep your foot in its original position, reducing the risk of serious injury. For added protection, consider using athletic tape or supplementary braces by wrapping the tape around the ankle area. If you experience stress or swelling, follow the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation).
Hip/Thigh Injuries
Physical contact with other players during basketball is unavoidable, and activities like pivoting, running, rebounding, and jumping can cause stress on the legs, hips, and thighs, potentially leading to serious injuries if not cared for.
Prevention and Treatment of thigh injuries: Regular exercises, including stretching and daily workouts for leg muscles, can help prevent these common basketball injuries. It’s crucial to warm up your full body before playing to reduce the risk of hip, leg, and thigh bruising, which can cause inflammation, pain, and weakness. Compression sleeves with padding can also minimize the impact of injuries. If you experience pain or swelling in your hips and thighs, follow the RICE method.
Knee Injuries – Common Basketball Injury
Knee injuries are among the most prevalent in basketball, accounting for the third-highest incidence of accidents in the NBA. While many of these injuries are minor sprains and strains, they can still lead to severe pain, inflammation, joint issues, and muscle weakness, potentially causing more significant damage.
Prevention and Treatment: Properly warming up and stretching your muscles before heading to the basketball court is essential. If you feel any pain during or after playing, taking a rest can prevent further damage. Additionally, using a good knee brace is a wise idea to provide additional support and protection.
Eye Injuries
Direct hits from the ball or fingers in the eye can cause blurred vision, corneal flap dislocation, and stretched corneas due to bleeding.
Prevention and Treatment: Wearing protective equipment like glasses, goggles, or face shields is crucial, regardless of whether you’re a professional or a beginner basketball player.
Wrist/Hand Injuries
While not as common as other injuries, wrist, and hand injuries still affect around 11% of NBA players. These injuries often occur when a basketball is thrown aggressively or when someone hits your hand while running.
Prevention and Treatment: To avoid wrist and hand injuries, focus on the other players on the court and how they pass the ball toward you. Be cautious about catching the ball to avoid jamming your fingers. Reducing unnecessary running during the game can also lower the risk of injury. If you experience wrist pain, consider using a wristband and giving your hand some rest.
Muscle Strain (Pain)
Muscle pain can occur when you stretch your muscles excessively, leading to strain and potential health issues.
Prevention and Treatment: Shoulder and leg muscle strains are common problems due to extraordinary moves in basketball. To prevent these injuries, use safety equipment or padding to protect your muscles.
Facial Cut/Face/Head Injuries
Collisions with opponents or getting hit with the ball can cause facial cuts or injuries to the face and head. While some injuries may only result in pain or swelling, more severe cases might require stitches.
Prevention and Treatment: Avoiding collisions with opponents on the court is essential. Increasing proprioception may help with avoidance. If you experience a severe injury, seek immediate professional help.
Please note that the information provided is not exhaustive, and in case of any serious injury or doubt, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment. Stay safe and enjoy the game!