Basketball is a fun activity for just about anyone. It’s one of the most popular sports in the world, and it offers a number of physical, mental and social benefits. But basketball also places a lot of stress on the body, which is why adults should always check with their doctor before playing. Also, warming up, stretching and cooling down is important.

Below are some of the most common questions we hear about basketball-related injuries, along with our responses.

Why are there a lot of injuries in basketball?

Believe it or not, there are more total injuries in basketball than in football. Basketball injuries occur because of the close physical contact, short, intermittent bursts of activity and quick stops and starts.

What are the most common injuries?

When you’re out on the court shooting hoops, you’re getting a great workout. But basketball also places a lot of stress on the muscles and joints, and injuries do happen. Some of the most common basketball injuries are:

• Ankle sprains
• Muscle strains
• Knee injuries
• Foot fractures
• Jammed fingers
• Knee tendonitis
• Achilles tendonitis
• Osgood-Schlatter disease

Can basketball injuries be prevented?

Yes, many injuries can be prevented by conditioning early. Ideally, you should start training at least three weeks before the season starts. This will help you build strength and endurance. Some of the skills to focus on include jumping, plyometrics and strength training.

It’s also important to stay hydrated and avoid overuse injuries. More is not always better! Talk to your sports doctor about an injury prevention program if you’re prone to basketball-related injuries.

How are basketball-related injuries treated?

If you do suffer an injury on the court, be sure to seek medical attention right away. And only return when you have been cleared by your sports medicine doctor. Otherwise, you can do more damage and lengthen the time it takes to recover.

Your treatment plan will depend on the type of injury you suffer. Most injuries are treated with rest, ice, compression and elevation.

If I get one injury, does that mean I’m prone to more?

Possibly. It depends on the type of injury and the reason for it. For instance, research shows that one concussion puts athletes at risk for future concussions. You have to respect injuries to the bones, joints and muscles and give them adequate time to heal. Returning too soon will put you at risk for further damage.

Talk with a Sports Medicine Physician

Jersey Rehab specializes in pain management and rehabilitation and sports medicine. If you’ve suffered an injury while playing basketball, we can help! We use a variety of treatments to get our patients out of pain and recover from their injuries. Contact us today for an appointment.