Basketball offers the one-two punch of great exercise and fun. From kids to weekend warriors to serious athletes, people of all ages and abilities can enjoy a game of hoops.
Dr. Andrew Leung, a Sports Medicine Physician with ThedaCare Orthopedic Care, shares tips for staying in the game and avoiding injury.
“Ankle and knee injuries are some of the most common basketball-related injuries we see,” Dr. Leung says. “We also often see jammed fingers, wrist injuries, calf or shin issues, Achilles tendonitis or tears, and thigh bruises.”
Common Injuries
The close competition for the ball under the basket can result in players’ feet getting stepped on or rolled over, Dr. Leung says. This can lead to ankle sprains and other damage to ligaments in that joint.
The jumping, running, and quick turning associated with basketball moves can contribute to knee injuries. These include anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, meniscus tears, and patellar tendonitis.
“Depending on the severity, ACL and meniscus tears may heal with rest and therapy, though surgery is sometimes necessary,” Dr. Leung says. “Patellar tendonitis results from overuse and heals with rest and ice.”
Symptoms of knee injuries include sudden or severe pain, swelling, an inability to put weight on a foot or leg, and frequent popping of the knee. Immediate first aid for any such basketball injury includes resting the joint, applying ice every other 20 minutes, using a compression wrap, and elevating the injured area above the heart, Dr. Leung advises.
“If a player, coach, or parent suspects injury, it’s important to seek evaluation with a medical professional or licensed athletic trainer, if available,” he says. “Playing through pain oftentimes makes the injury worse.”
Concussion
Concussion is another common injury. Contact sports such as basketball are associated with 45% of all emergency department visits for sports- and recreation-related traumatic brain injuries and concussions among children ages 17 and younger, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Among high school students playing basketball, almost two-thirds of concussions in boys and half of concussions in girls result from collisions among athletes, the CDC states.
It’s crucial to follow protocols when a concussion is suspected. In a school setting, a licensed athletic trainer can provide immediate evaluation for a concussion. A sports medicine physician can oversee treatment and return to sport.
Injury Prevention
Dr. Leung says people can take several steps to prevent injuries while playing basketball. These include:
- Warming up with dynamic stretching before any practice or game. This is a movement-based type of stretching that prepares the body for exertion. Examples include lunges and marching in place. Dynamic stretching is important for players of all ages, but especially weekend warriors.
- Cooling down and stretching after playing. Static stretching, where you hold a single position for 30 to 60 seconds, works well here. Flexibility helps decrease the likelihood of muscle strains and tears.
- Engaging in strength training. This will help strengthen the core and lower body, especially the knees.
- Wearing well-fitting, appropriate footwear for the sport you’re playing. If you have weaker ankles or have had previous ankle sprains, your doctor may recommend taping the ankle or wearing a brace. Consult with your doctor or licensed athletic trainer before wearing any type of brace.
- Using protective gear. That can include mouth guards, glasses guards, and appropriate personal gear.
Injury Care
Injury can happen, regardless of precautions. To connect to expert orthopedic care without the need for an appointment, visit ThedaCare Orthopedic Walk-in Care. Located within ThedaCare Medical Center-Orthopedic, Spine and Pain, the service is available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and weekends from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can also schedule an appointment with a sports medicine physician online or by calling (920) 831-5050.
Dr. Leung encourages everyone to enjoy basketball safely.
“Playing basketball or any sport is an excellent way to stay in shape while having fun,” he says. “Taking precautions will help players avoid injury so they can keep enjoying the game.”
