Injuries while playing basketball are commonly caused by falls, player contact, awkward landings, abrupt changes in direction and being hit by the ball. Common types of injuries are:
- Injuries to the lower body, mostly ankle sprains
- Injuries to the hand, fingers, head, face and teeth
- Knee injuries – females are at higher risk of knee injury than males
- Overuse injuries – are most common in higher level players due to the duration and intensity of play.
Basketball tip
The five injuries diagnosed most frequently were, in order, ankle sprains, finger sprains, finger fractures, knee sprains, and facial lacerations. Girls had a higher rate of knee sprains and finger sprains, while boys had a higher rate of ankle sprains. To me, the increased risk of knee sprains in basketball among girls is not surprising given the much higher risk of ACL injury in female athletes in all sports
Ankle Sprains
When the foot is forcibly rolled inward or outward, ligaments that hold the ankle in place can overstretch or tear, resulting in an ankle sprain.
Symptoms:
- Pain on the overstretched portion of the ankle
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Tenderness
- Warmth to the touch
Treatment:
- Rest
- Ice
- Compression
- Elevation (for the first 24 to 48 hours post-injury)
Dr. Kandil
Orthopedics and sports medicine surgeon.
