While basketball may not be as high-contact as football, hockey or rugby, it’s still a contact sport. When players collide in the air it may be good sports viewing, but those collisions can cost players a serious injury.
Another factor is the minimal protective equipment used in the game, which other contact sports employ generously.
Basketball players can be injured just as easily as players in any other sport because the adrenalin involved in competitive sports sometimes get the better of people playing them. Even if you’re an amateur, it’s important that you play with that in mind to avoid potential injuries.
So, this offering shares the biggest injury risks for basketball players and how to prevent them. Knowledge is power, so read on.
Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains are the most common injury for basketball players and that’s in the nature of the game. Abrupt stops and awkward landings after a jump abound. The way the game is played places significant pressure on ligaments and tendons, exposing them to tears.
And once the ankle has been subjected to this type of injury, it’s going to swell and become too painful to bear weight.
The best way to avoid an ankle sprain is to ensure you’re wearing the right sports shoe. Your ankle is vulnerable out there, so the whole foot must be supported in a high-top style shoe. This type of sports shoe serves to protect the ankle, reducing the potential for injury.
Knee Injuries
Knee injuries are as endemic in basketball as they are in any other sport. The knee is a pivotal hinge that supports the ability of the body to do what it needs to out on the court, so it’s one of the areas you need to pay special attention to.
The best way to protect your knees is to take the time to stretch and warm up before a game. The calves, quadriceps and hamstrings are especially important, as they service the work of the knee. When they’re prepared to work, your knee is better protected.
Hand Injuries
This is a big area in basketball, due to the role the hands play in the game. You’re handling the ball to pass and shoot.
The moment your hands are going to be at the greatest risk is around the hoop. It’s here that you need to keep your head up and be aware of what other players are doing.
With all the activity that attends the ball bouncing off the rim, players are especially vulnerable to hand injuries resulting from falls due to collisions. Being aware is your best defense.
Support for Basketball Injuries
Back & Body Medical is your source for professional medical support for basketball injuries. We treat all kinds of athletes here, from court stars to weekend warriors who come to us from neighborhood games.
Our team of chiropractors, acupuncturists, physical therapists and sports medicine experts is multi-disciplinarian pain relief resource for active people. We create personalized programs of care that expedite healing.
