There are many dangers that come with playing basketball. Injuries are a common occurrence and can range from mild to life-threatening. To stay safe on the court, it is important to be aware of the most common injuries and take steps to prevent them.
Now here is a list ten of the most common basketball injuries, along with advice on how to avoid them.
1. Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains are the most common basketball injury, accounting for approximately one-third of all injuries. They occur when the ankle twists inward or outward beyond its normal range of motion. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and bruising around the ankle.
To prevent ankle sprains, always wear supportive shoes with a good tread pattern. When playing, make sure to land on the balls of your feet and not your heels. If you sprain your ankle, follow the RICE protocol: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.
2. Knee Injuries
Knee injuries are also very common in basketball players. The most common knee injuries are ACL tears and meniscus tears.
To prevent ACL tears, make sure to stay in proper alignment when jumping or landing. Don’t let your knees cave inwards. To prevent meniscus tears, be sure to keep your knee bent at a 90-degree angle when landing.
3. Hamstring Strains
Hamstring strains are caused by overstretching the hamstring muscles. They are the most common injury among professional basketball players. Symptoms include pain and swelling in the back of the thigh and difficulty walking.
To prevent hamstring strains, stretch your hamstrings regularly, and make sure to warm up properly before playing.
4. Foot Injuries
Foot injuries are also common in basketball players. The most common injuries are plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, and basketball ankle.
To prevent plantar fasciitis, wear supportive shoes with good arch support. To prevent Achilles tendonitis, stretch your calf muscles regularly. To prevent basketball ankle, make sure to wear supportive shoes with a good tread pattern.
5. Back Injuries
Back injuries are very common in basketball players. The most common injury is a lower back strain. Symptoms include pain in the lower back, difficulty walking, and numbness or tingling in the legs.
To prevent lower back strains, make sure to warm up properly before playing and avoid twisting your back when jumping or landing.
6. Elbow Injuries
Elbow injuries are also common in basketball players. The most common injury is an elbow sprain. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and bruising around the elbow.
To prevent elbow sprains, always wear supportive gloves when playing. When catching the ball, make sure to catch it with your palms, not your fingers.
7. Shoulder Injuries
Shoulder injuries are also common in basketball players. The most common injury is a rotator cuff tear. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and weakness in the shoulder.
To prevent rotator cuff tears, stretch your shoulder muscles regularly. When shooting the ball, make sure to keep your elbow close to your body.
8. Jaw Injuries
Jaw injuries are not as common as other injuries on this list, but they can be very serious. The most common injury is a broken jaw. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and difficulty opening the mouth.
To prevent jaw injuries, always wear a mouthguard when playing.
9. Head Injuries
Head injuries are also a risk in basketball. The most common injury is a concussion. Symptoms include headache, dizziness, and nausea.
There are several things you can do to prevent head injuries while playing basketball. The most important is to always wear a helmet. Make sure the helmet fits properly and has a good chin strap. When playing, be aware of your surroundings, and avoid collisions with other players. If you do collide with another player, try to fall in the opposite direction.
10. Neck Injuries
Neck injuries are also a risk in basketball. The most common injury is a neck sprain. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and difficulty turning the head.
To prevent neck injuries, always wear a neck guard when playing. When jumping or landing, make sure to keep your head up and your neck straight.
What to Do if You Get Injured While Playing Basketball?
If you do get injured while playing basketball, don’t try to play through the pain. Stop playing and see a doctor. If you’re unable to play, give your team a call and let them know. Most importantly, don’t try to fix the injury yourself. Many injuries can worsen if not treated properly, so it’s important to seek medical help.
Also, if you have been injured while playing basketball and need legal assistance, please contact a personal injury lawyer. They will be able to help you file a claim and get the compensation you deserve.
Playing basketball comes with a risk of injury, but most injuries can be prevented by following some simple guidelines. Make sure to wear the proper gear, stretch before playing, and be aware of your surroundings. If you do get injured while playing, don’t try to play through the pain. Stop playing and see a doctor.