Basketball has grown tremendously since its creation in 1891 by YMCA teacher Dr. James Naismith. The sport has evolved fast from what it originally was, from peach baskets on a small gym wall to thunderous dunks in front of millions of fans.
Basketball injuries have grown more prevalent than ever before, thanks to the increasing speed and stature of the participants. Even with today’s enhanced training courses and facilities, some of the physical harm that might occur during games cannot be avoided.
Understanding how to manage and cure some of the most frequent basketball injuries, on the other hand, may help you avoid getting injured in the first place and prepare you for any eventuality.
What are the most prevalent types of basketball injuries?
There was little data on the number of injuries that professional basketball players faced until recently. It was discovered that athletes might anticipate dealing with anything from 6-14 injuries for every 1000 hours of basketball performed. Among the injuries they discovered, the following were the most common:
- Sprains of the ankle
- Knee injuries are common.
- Bruising on the inside of the thigh
- Fingers twisted
Basketball is recognized for being a contact sport, despite the fact that no obligatory protection is required. The tiny bumps and collisions that athletes contend with as they jockey for a position result in injuries that can impact nearly every area of the body. As is the situation with most contact sports, playing exposes virtually all of your joints, ligaments, bones, and muscles to damage in some form. If you ever have to deal with one of the most frequent basketball injuries, here’s how to manage it.
Sprains of the ankle
When the ankle is twisted, rolled, or rotated unnaturally, one or more ligaments in the ankle are stretched and/or torn, leading to an ankle injury. The discomfort and swelling that accompany the injury are frequently noticed, and the participant’s range of motion is generally limited for at least a week. A sprained ankle, on the other hand, can take anything from a few days to several months to fully recover, depending on the extent of the incident.
The RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) regimen, which helps decrease swelling and aids in the general healing of the injured ligament, is used to treat a sprained ankle. In more serious situations, your orthopedic foot and ankle specialist may recommend physical therapy to ensure that the ligament heals to its former state.
When it comes to avoiding a sprained ankle, it all boils down to using the right equipment. For individuals who are especially prone to ligament problems in this area, this involves utilizing basketball shoes that strengthen the ankle, as well as supplemental bracing or tape.
Knee injuries
Knee injuries are known to occur when playing basketball. However, they are not frequent. They might range from minor joint discomfort to more significant injuries such as ligament fractures and tears. ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) tears and knee fractures have both been known to keep sportsmen out of the sport for a year or more.
Knee pain treatment is determined by the degree of the damage. While the RICE technique may generally be used to treat mild joint pain, more significant injuries require the care of an orthopedic surgeon.
Your physicians can evaluate the severity of an injury using an x-ray and an MRI scan, allowing them to offer a thorough diagnosis. Surgery may be necessary, followed by physiotherapy to improve the restored ligament or joint, based on the diagnosis.
Knee injury prevention boils down to two factors: planning and flexibility. Establishing appropriate mechanics and muscle balance can help the body prepare for any unexpected motions it may encounter. Additionally, using a compression sleeve or knee brace can assist athletes in avoiding injuries like these.
Bruising on the inside of the thighs
A deep thigh bruise (or contusion) is a frequent basketball injury that occurs when an elbow or knee impacts a player’s thigh muscles accidentally. The healing duration for these injuries is usually 4-8 weeks, depending on the severity.
The RICE technique is used to treat deep thigh bruising, which entails icing and resting the afflicted area before returning to full activity.
Deep thigh bruises are hard to prevent because of the high-speed, physically demanding nature of the sport. To reduce the impact of the damage, compression sleeves and shorts with cushioning can be used.
Fingers tangled
A jammed finger occurs when the ball strikes the top of the finger suddenly, causing the finger to become stuck in one of its joints, causing discomfort and swelling.
Using ice and tape to treat a jammed finger is a good idea. The application of “buddy tape,” which aligns the damaged finger with a neighboring one in an effort to shield the prone phalange while it heals, is the major source of comfort.
It’s all about being alert when it comes to avoiding a stuck finger. The best method to avoid jamming a finger when playing basketball is to always be ready for the ball and understand how it moves in your hands.
While these are the most frequent injuries in basketball, this does not rule out the possibility of other, more serious injuries.
Cuts on the Face
Depending on the severity of the damage, sutures or “butterfly” sterile tape may be required. Ice can help to relieve discomfort and reduce swelling. After all of the blood has been removed and the wound has been treated, players can continue to play.
Fractures caused by stress
A fast increase in the level of physical activity or training, as well as overtraining, can cause stress fractures. Basketball stress fractures most often develop in the foot and lower leg. A period of immobility and non-weight bearing is suggested once the condition has been identified. Once the fracture has healed fully and is pain-free, the athlete may return to the field.
How can injuries in Basketball be avoided?
- Get a pre-season physical examination and observe your doctor’s basketball safety training advice.
- Drink plenty of water – waiting until you’re thirsty is frequently too late to fully hydrate.
- Maintain sufficient fitness – injury risks are higher in sportsmen who have not fully prepared physically.
- Pay consideration to environmental guidelines, particularly in regards to extremely hot and humid conditions, to prevent possible heat illness.
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