Basketball is a fun sport that, like any athletic competition, comes with certain risks. Injuries are fairly common in both games and practices, and they range from small strains and tweaks to much more extreme tears or breaks.
Lower body ailments like ankle sprains, achilles tears, and knee injuries are the most frequent, but jammed/sprained fingers, thigh bruises and facial cuts all happen as well. They don’t happen to everyone, but they are a risk all players take when stepping onto the court.
That’s why knowing about and understanding such injuries is so important. The better someone can prepare for ailments, the better they can know how to prevent or treat them as efficiently as possible.
1. Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains are by far the most common basketball-related injury, and they typically occur when someone lands or steps on another player’s foot. That then rolls the joint, leading to internal damage or tears.
Sprains are painful and categorized by swelling, bruising, and limited movement. As hurt players cannot put weight on damaged ankles, the best cure is to use the R.I.C.E (rest, ice, compression, elevation) method alongside a cast or crutches.
Most ankle sprains heal within one or two months. Surgery may be necessary in some extreme cases as well. Either way, ankle strengthening and proper stretching goes a long way towards getting back on track. Physical therapy helps in that regard too.
2. Knee Injuries
The other main lower body injury, knee problems are common in basketball due to the quick cuts, ample sprints, and constant jumping. That then leads to problems like ACL tears, meniscus tears, and patellar tendonitis (jumper’s knee).
ACL and meniscus tears both require surgery and sideline players for extremely long periods of time. Tendonitis can be painful, but typically goes away with a few weeks of rest.
Just note that any sudden or severe knee pain needs to be looked at by a doctor right away. Swelling and popping are cause for concern too. Surgery is required for the most serious knee injuries, but even mild ones typically require weeks of rest and ice to properly heal.
3. Finger Injuries
Basketball requires use of the hands, which then leads to jammed or broken fingers. Sometimes that comes from the finger getting caught, but most of the time it comes from the ball being hit into or jamming the extremities during a close play.
Both sprains and breaks lead to immediate swelling and pain. X-rays are required to diagnose one from the other, but they are both dealt with in the same way. Ice, rest, and splints all help strengthen the joint and keep it safe. Taping also works after a few weeks of recovery.
4. Calf Muscle Strains
Calf strains are one of the most painful common basketball injuries. They are recognized when pain shoots through the posterior calf muscle during a quick jump or cut. Feeling sudden tightness or extreme pain in the back of the leg is a good indicator as well.
Luckily, most muscle pulls get better with time. Calf strains are no exception. They require a few weeks of ice and rest to heal. Some worse ones might need physical therapy, but such cases are quite rare.
5. Achilles Tendon Tears
Widely considered the worst basketball-related injury, achilles tears occur when the tendon that connects the calf to the heel rips. It’s a brutal injury that has symptoms similar to a calf strain, but can also feel like a kick to the heel or back of the knee.
The tears are incredibly painful and almost always require surgery. Not only that, but most cases take six months to a year to heal, even with the help of physical therapy. Comebacks from an achilles tear should always be slow.
6. Deep Thigh Bruising
Unlike the other injuries, deep thigh bruising is an obvious ailment due to the discoloration and immediate pain. They come from tough impacts, and they most often occur during hard collisions from running through screens or hitting other players.
Like muscle strains, bruising is something that can be waited out with time. The R.I.C.E treatment is perfect for them, and everything should heal in 4 to 6 weeks.
7. Facial Cuts
Facial cuts are one of the rarer basketball injuries, but they are something to be aware of when playing. Hits to the face do happen during rebounding or drives, which can then lead to cuts or bleeding from the impacted area (nose, eye, or mouth).
Such impacts require quick treatment. Apply pressure to the injury as soon as possible and try to bandage it immediately. Those with deeper or longer cuts should also seek medical attention, as they may require stitches.
Basketball Injury Prevention Tips
The above injuries are all scary, but they can be prevented with proper preparation and care. The first step towards that end is warm-ups. It’s always a good idea to stretch and do some light shooting before a game or practice to get your body ready.
Pre-game stretching significantly reduces the risk of larger injuries like ACL and achilles tears while also keeping the body more limber. That then makes it easier to move and avoid potentially dangerous impacts during a game.
Strength and core training go a long way too. The more muscle on the body, the better the joints and ligaments will be at resisting injury. Doing general strength training keeps up fitness, which also improves the body’s ability to take on the regular wear-and-tear that comes from basketball.
Just remember to also stretch when in the gym or when working out. Getting warm directly before playing is critical, but upkeep stretching is a great way to improve ligament and tendon strength as well.
Focus on flexibility whenever possible. Yoga or pilates are the best towards that end, but even a few five minute routines throughout the day allows for much better body strength and injury reduction. Stretching blocks and foam rollers are great tools too.
It also helps to pay attention to your footwear. While they might be more expensive in the short term, good basketball shoes do a lot in terms of protecting the foot and ankle. Extra joint security reduces breaks or strains, while durable soles cut down on blisters.
However, nothing matters without practice. The above steps are useful, but the best way to reduce injury is to know how to move around a court. The more someone practices, the more comfortable they will be during plays. That then makes them better at avoiding dangerous collisions in the first place.
Conclusion
There are many injuries that can occur when playing basketball, ranging from mild calf strains and jammed fingers to more serious knee injuries or ankle breaks. Such ailments are painful, and can seriously hinder or impact the ability to play.
Luckily, there are many steps that can reduce injuries or outright prevent them. Proper preparation, strength training, and stretching all keep such problems at bay. If any do happen, there are many effective treatment options to speed up healing as well.
Just note what respected doctor Mark Cullen said: “If you suspect any of these injuries, lean on your local health care, starting with your school athletic trainer. They’ll ensure proper follow-up to have you back on the court in a safe, quick manner.”
