Basketball injuries-and how they can be prevented - Sports

Basketball is one of the most exciting sports in the USA. It is a fast game that puts a lot of strain on a players body. Playing the game requires jumping, running, fast stops, and sudden changes of direction. This takes a particular toll on the ligaments in the knees and ankles. Sometimes a game gets rough and it seems like a contact sport. Injuries to the nose, teeth and head can occur.

The most common basketball injuries include sprained ankles, jammed fingers, broken fingers, meniscus tears, and ligament injuries. Not all injuries can be prevented.

Ankle injuries make up about 50 of basketball injuries. Ankles can be strengthened through exercises that target the ligaments in the ankle. When a player rolls the foot too far inward heshe stretches the ligaments and the result is a sprained ankle. It is even possible to tear these ligaments. Preventing this injury includes exercises, high top basketball shoes, and ankle braces. These braces are usually laced up to permit a custom fit.

Meniscus tears are common injuries and often require surgery. Small tears may heal on their own, while large tears will require surgical treatment. This kind of injury typically happens when a player suddenly stops or changes direction. The meniscus is a small piece of cartilage that acts like a cushion in the knee joint. It is shaped like a C. The risk of tearing a meniscus can be minimized through strengthening exercises and flexibility training. The player may wear a knee brace. There are many different knee braces available. Some are made of neoprene and are pulled over the knee like a sleeve. Others have Velcro closures that allow adjustments. Some players opt for a brace with metal hinges on both sides for added stability.

Ligament injuries in the knees are common. Most often injured are the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and the LCL (lateral collateral ligament). PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) and MCL (medial collateral ligament) are the two other ligaments located in the knee. Ligament injuries can be devastating and debilitating. Permanent damage to the knee is very possible. Ligament injuries are often caused by being hit in the knee, sudden weight shifts, jumping and landing while the knee is flexed, or hyper extending the knee. Mild or moderate ligament injuries can heal without surgery. Surgery can attach the ligament back to the bone, but a complete tear of the ACL cannot be repaired. That is also the case for the other cruciate ligament the PCL. Reconstructive surgery is the only option in this case. Wearing braces can prevent further injuries to the knee.

Coaches practice basketball injury prevention through weight training and by teaching proper techniques. The best way to prevent basketball injuries is through proper training. Flexibility exercises, strengthening training, as well as adequate stretching before practices, can prepare a players body for the game.

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