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Basketball is one of the more popular physical activities among recreational athletes. The mentally engaging and versatile sport offers a good workout while having fun and can be played both indoors and outside; however, it is also a physically demanding game that can result in injury if players are not careful or properly warmed-up.

Whether you play in a high school or college league or engage in pickup games with a group of friends, it is important to understand what possible injuries can occur before you shoot some hoops.

5 Common Basketball Injuries

A basketball player’s entire body is vulnerable to injury due to the movements involved and the potential for sudden contact with other players. The five areas of the body that are prone to injury during a game of basketball include:

1. Feet and ankles

   Despite a lot of action taking place around the upper body, lower body injuries are actually the most common type of basketball injury. In basketball, there is a high risk of tripping over other players, getting stepped on or landed on, and straining, spraining, or rolling your ankle while running or pivoting. To prevent injury, consider taping your ankle and investing in good shoes that don’t slip.

2. Knees 

   While football has a greater association with knee and ACL issues, sprains and strains in the knees are very common given the footwork in basketball. If you know you already have knee problems, be sure to wear a brace.

3. Hips 

   Your hips and thighs are susceptible to bruising and strains due to the amount of pivoting and jumping that is required in a game of basketball. A good stretch can help minimize such injuries.

4. Hands and wrists 

   Despite the prominent ball passing and handling, wrist and hand injuries aren’t extremely common in basketball. However, a basketball can jam your fingers if not passed or caught properly, so be sure to keep your eye on the ball to ensure a thorough catch.

5. Face, head, and neck 

   When playing defense, getting elbowed in the face or head is a high possibility. Aside from goggles, there isn’t much protection to prevent a face or head injury. However, such sudden and exaggerated movement can result in concussion, whiplash, or sprained neck muscles and tendons.

Your Source for Advanced Basketball Injury Treatments

While injuries such as sprains and strains are possible in any high-energy sports activity, such injuries frequently occur in basketball. Fortunately, the team of Fellowship-trained orthopaedic specialists at Orthopaedic Associates of St. Augustine provide expert treatment plans, physical therapy, and surgical intervention options to assist those who suffer from debilitating pain caused by a basketball injury.

At Orthopaedic Associates of St. Augustine, we’re proud to play a role in helping people regain mobility and get back to their daily routines without pain. If you’ve experienced a basketball injury or any type of orthopaedic ailment, our team is here to help. Please request an appointment online or give us a call at 904-825-0540.

Sina Kasraeian, MD 
Board Certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and has extensive training in arthroscopy and sports medicine reconstructive procedures.

 

CASEY McCLONE, MD
Board Certifications in Family Medicine and Sports Medicine. Dr. McClone specializes in treating musculoskeletal pain for patients of all ages with ultra-sound guided injections.