Basketball is a sport that combines intensity with finesse, and when played the right way, it can be played casually into the later years in one’s life. But with that intensity comes the risk of injury, which is what this blog will discuss. Basketball is a year-round sport, but with winter being the season where most basketball leagues are played – at the youth, high school, and collegiate level especially – there’s no better time than now to highlight some of the most common basketball-related injuries we see at MidAmerica Orthopaedics, and how you can best treat them and prevent them.

Common Injury #1: Sprained Ankles

If you’re flipping through channels on your TV and a basketball game comes on, there’s a high chance that you’ll see a player roll or turn their ankle – whether it be on the court itself, or on a teammate or opponent’s foot, these injuries can sometimes be played through, but they often require intervention right away.

As far as prevention, there is only so much you can do. But there are some methods that have proven effective. To prevent sprained ankles, basketball players can practice proper landing techniques, wear supportive shoes, and incorporate ankle-strengthening exercises into their workout routine. To treat a sprained ankle, the R.I.C.E method (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) can be effective in reducing swelling and pain. Over-the-counter pain medication may also be used as directed. It's also recommended to seek medical attention if the sprain is severe or if there's difficulty bearing weight on the affected ankle. Physical therapy may also be prescribed to help regain strength and range of motion.

If you have suffered a sprained ankle, the specialists at our Foot and Ankle Clinic will help get you back to full strength as soon as possible.

Common Injury #2: Knee Ligament Injuries

Unfortunately, torn ACLs, MCLs, and meniscuses, are extremely common basketball injuries that require more lengthy rehabilitation than sprained ankles. If you’re a fan of Chicago basketball, you probably remember Derrick Rose’s infamous torn ACL in the 2012 playoffs. It derailed not only the Bulls’ season, but Rose’s career as a whole. This is the worst case scenario for these kinds of injuries. There are a few different reasons why knee ligaments are particularly vulnerable in basketball, most of them having to do with patterns of motion. Basketball is defined by swift changes in direction – pivot motions, jumping, and cutting – all of which put intense stress on the knees.

Additionally, a lack of proper conditioning, muscle imbalances, and previous knee injuries can also increase the risk of ligament injuries in basketball players.

Thankfully, recovery periods are getting shorter for these injuries, and more and more athletes are making full recoveries without loss of speed, strength, explosivity or agility. At MidAmerica Orthopaedics, our Total Joint Clinic and Sports Medicine Clinic.

Common Injury #3: Dislocations and Fractures

Fractures in basketball can happen in any bone in the body, but they are more common in the fingers, hand, and wrist due to the frequent contact with the ball and other players, and the same can be said for dislocated joints. With basketball being such a high contact sport, the risk of these injuries is quite high. Clearly, not all fractures and dislocations are created equal in terms of pain, severity, and recovery time, so it is best to consult your doctor or orthopedic specialist immediately to get you back on the court as quickly as possible.

Another type of fracture that basketball players are at risk of are stress fractures. A stress fracture is a small crack or break in a bone caused by overuse or repetitive stress. It is a type of overuse injury that occurs when the bone is repeatedly subjected to force, but doesn't get enough time to heal between instances of stress. Stress fractures are most common in the weight-bearing bones of the foot and lower leg, such as the tibia (shin bone) and metatarsals (bones in the foot), but can also occur in other bones like the navicular bone in the foot, fibula, and femur. Symptoms of a stress fracture include pain, swelling, and tenderness in the affected area, which worsens with activity and improves with rest. Stress fractures can take several weeks or months to heal and if not treated properly can lead to chronic pain and even bone deformation.

In conclusion, we hope you found this blog insightful if you or someone in your family or network is a basketball player. As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to MidAmerica Orthopaedics by calling (708) 237-7200 or visiting either of our suburban Chicago locations at Mokena and Palos Hills for any concerns or questions. Also, remember that our Orthopaedic Immediate Care clinic is open six days a week for direct-to-specialist care.