Around 92% of all basketball players will have an ankle sprain at least one time during their playing career. Most basketball injuries are sprains, strains or contusions (muscle damage by impact) meaning the most common injured area for basketball players are either their ankle or knee. Here are the typical injuries found in basketball and what to do if they occur.
Sprained Ankle
One of the most frequent injuries is when a player rolls their ankle - where the sole of the foot faces inwards. This type of injury causes damage to the anterior talofibular ligament and in some cases the calcaneofibular ligament. This can be a very painful injury and it is best practice to have the foot x-rayed for any fracture. Reduce any swelling by applying ice. When the player starts to get over the initial injury, it is advised to begin a vigorous rehabilitation program in order to restore full movement and strength. This is vital to prevent reoccurrence of the same injury as the initial injury causes weakness in the ligaments. …show more content…
The injury occurs most commonly during bounding and jumping movements, which creates micro tears to the tendon. If you don't respond to this injury early, it will most likely create much more significant damage in the long run.
Contusions
Contusions occur when there is strong clash against another player's knee or elbow. As a result damage occurs to the blood vessels that are within the muscles and in the underlying bone. This damage can vary depending on depth of the contact. If you find you have had a contusion, it is crucial you apply the RICE guidelines immediately (rest, ice, compression, elevation). Left alone a contusion can develop into a myositis
Sprained Ankle
One of the most frequent injuries is when a player rolls their ankle - where the sole of the foot faces inwards. This type of injury causes damage to the anterior talofibular ligament and in some cases the calcaneofibular ligament. This can be a very painful injury and it is best practice to have the foot x-rayed for any fracture. Reduce any swelling by applying ice. When the player starts to get over the initial injury, it is advised to begin a vigorous rehabilitation program in order to restore full movement and strength. This is vital to prevent reoccurrence of the same injury as the initial injury causes weakness in the ligaments. …show more content…
The injury occurs most commonly during bounding and jumping movements, which creates micro tears to the tendon. If you don't respond to this injury early, it will most likely create much more significant damage in the long run.
Contusions
Contusions occur when there is strong clash against another player's knee or elbow. As a result damage occurs to the blood vessels that are within the muscles and in the underlying bone. This damage can vary depending on depth of the contact. If you find you have had a contusion, it is crucial you apply the RICE guidelines immediately (rest, ice, compression, elevation). Left alone a contusion can develop into a myositis