Basketball enthusiasts, no matter their age or skill level, should have a game plan to overcome a common, yet dreaded opponent – injury.
Basketball injuries can wreak havoc on ankles and knees and often involve concussions and head and face injuries, said Dr. Andrew Leung, a Sports Medicine Physician with ThedaCare Medical Center-Orthopedic, Spine and Pain.
“Ankle and knee injuries are some of the most common basketball-related injuries we see,” he said. “We also often see jammed fingers, wrist injuries, calf or shin issues, Achilles tendonitis or tears, and thigh bruises.”
Common Injuries
The mad scramble for the basketball under the hoop can result in players’ feet getting stepped on or rolled over, Dr. Leung said. 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 said. “Patellar tendonitis results from overuse and can heal 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, using a compression wrap, and elevating the injured area above the heart, Dr. Leung said.
“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 said. “Playing through pain oftentimes makes the injury worse.”
Concussion
Concussion is another common injury, Dr. Leung said. 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 (CDC).
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 said.
It’s crucial to follow protocols when a concussion is suspected, Dr. Leung said. In a school setting, a licensed athletic trainer can provide immediate evaluation for a concussion. A sports medicine physician can oversee treatment and a player’s return to sport.
Injury Prevention
Players of all skill levels should have a plan to avoid injury while on the court, Dr. Leung said. Elements of such a plan should include:
- Warming up with dynamic stretching before any practice or game. This type of stretching helps prepare the body for exertion, e.g. lunges and marching in place.
- Cooling down and stretching after playing. Static stretching involves holding a muscle in a stretched position for a period of time (30-60 seconds). Flexibility helps decrease the likelihood of muscle strains and tears.
- Engaging in strength training. This can help strengthen the core and lower body, especially the knees.
- Wearing well-fitting, appropriate footwear for the sport in question. Those that have weaker ankles or have had previous ankle sprains may benefit from taping their ankles or wearing a brace before hitting the court.
- Using protective gear. That can include mouth guards, glasses guards, and appropriate personal protective gear.
Dr. Leung encouraged players to hoop safely.
“Playing basketball or any sport is an excellent way to stay in shape while having fun,” he said. “Taking precautions will help players avoid injury so they can keep enjoying the game.”
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.
