Basketball is the most popular youth sport in the US. A study by the National Athletic Trainers Association found that 22% of male basketball players have an injury that causes them to miss playing time each year. 42% of the time, that injury is to the ankle or foot, making this the most injured area.
Some other common injuries to basketball players include:
- Muscle strains such as a groin pull, quadriceps, hamstring, or calf strain
- Knee ligament injuries such as ACL, LCL, MCL tears or sprains
- Ankle sprains, including high ankle sprain
- Ankle fractures
- Overuse injuries such as patellar tendonitis, IT band pain, shin splints
- Falls, leading to fractures, dislocation, or sprains of the wrist, elbow, or shoulder
- Jammed fingers
- Concussion as a result from a collision between head and the ground, usually from falling
Knowledge of the most common types of injuries gives us a place to start thinking about prevention. While not all injuries can be prevented, there are some things parents and players can do to reduce the risk of being injured.
1. Have an annual physical completed by a physical therapist
- This should include baseline testing of strength, ROM and a baseline concussion test
2. Make sure you have an adequate base of strength and aerobic fitness
- The annual physical mentioned above should identify areas needing addressed here. Your PT can help design a training a program to address your specific needs
3. Improve your balance and proprioception – this can help reduce the risk of the foot and ankle injuries so common in basketball
- This can be accomplished with off-season strength and conditioning as well as participation in injury prevention programs to work on jumping and landing skills
4. Avoid overuse injuries and burnout
- Taking time off throughout the season and the year will let the body recover
5. Hydrate adequately before and during practice and games
6. Wear properly fitted shoes
Pain & Movement Solutions provides 2 Free Sport SOLUTIONS visits to all middle school, high school, and collegiate athletes that can be used at any time during the school year. The initiative behind this sports medicine partnership is to assist athletes in achieving their optimal performance while improving their overall health and well-being during their sport. This program allows them quick access to doctors of physical therapy who are first-choice healthcare professionals for all musculoskeletal and sports injuries. Call 605-723-0185 to schedule a Sports Solutions Visit for your athlete. Most of Pain & Movement Solutions’ therapists were previous collegiate athletes, and they will work quickly to return you to the top of your game as fast as possible.