You may be a professional athlete, be an avid basketball fan, or you may have just played basketball in your driveway over Thanksgiving and hope to get out and play some more. In any case, if you break basketball down into its main physical components, you have a series of fast sprints, passes and catches, jumps and leaps, and quick cuts to the left and right. These are all essential to playing and winning a basketball game, but each movement comes with the chance of injury. Being aware of possible injuries can allow you to better prepare and avoid them when possible. We list and discuss the top injuries and prevention tips below.
We also discuss some treatment options that are available if you or a friend sustains a basketball injury, such an ankle sprain. Just head over to the ORTHOKnox orthopaedic clinics in Knoxville, Tennessee, or Athens, Tennessee. If you sprain your ankle while you are shooting some hoops, you can even visit the orthopedic clinic in Knoxville without an appointment. The board-certified orthopedic surgeon and physical therapists are available to help you, so you can get back to the court as soon as possible!
TOP BASKETBALL INJURIES AND TREATMENTS
- Ankle Sprains
For an ankle sprain, your orthopedic doctor may recommend RICE (rest, ice compression, elevation) in some cases, while more severe injuries may require surgery.
- Strains
Hip strains are common in basketball as players constantly have to twist at the hips. This repetitive movement often results in overuse and overstretching of the muscles and tendons. Treatments for strains range from RICE to surgery, depending on the severity of the strain.
- Fractures
Wrist and foot fractures are common when athletes try to catch themselves in a fall and when other players stomp or fall on their feet. Treatment for fractures involves immobilization of the bones and a cast or brace. Some fractures can be treated with arthroscopic surgery.
- Knee Injuries
Knee injuries can range from minor strains and sprains to ACL tears in basketball, but the minor injuries are more common. Your orthopedic doctor can help diagnose your knee injury and recommend the proper treatment, ranging from rest to surgery. The physical therapists on-site in the Knoxville and Athens, Tennessee, locations can help build a rehabilitation program for you to ensure you are ready to get back in the game.
- Overuse
Repetitive motions, such as throwing free-throws over and over, can put too much wear on your joints, which can lead to more serious problems. Resting and doing cross-training can help avoid overuse injuries.
BASKETBALL INJURY PREVENTION TIPS
- Keep fit and stay active in the offseason
- Stay hydrated
- Get a physical before starting the season
- Build up to your peak activity level with strength and agility training
- Switch up your sport in the offseason to give your muscles a break
- Wear shoes that fit properly, have ankle support, and have enough traction for the court
- Perform dynamic stretches before playing
- Strengthen the muscles around your knees to give them more support
- Keep an eye out for fatigue and rest if you need to
GETTING TREATMENT FOR A BASKETBALL INJURY
With its board-certified surgeon and Urgent Orthopaedic Care that is available without an appointment, ORTHOKnox has got you covered. For more information about how ORTHOKnox can treat your basketball injury, call (865) 251-3030, or fill out our easy-to-use online appointment request form. We look forward to hearing from you!
