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:
Lower Extremity
- 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
Upper Extremity
- Falls, leading to fractures, dislocation, or sprains of the wrist, elbow, or shoulder
- Jammed fingers
Head
- 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.
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Have an annual physical completed by a physical therapist or other qualified professional
This should include baseline testing of strength, ROM, and a baseline concussion test -
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 or other professional can help design a training a program to address your specific needs -
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 -
Avoid overuse injuries and burnout
Taking time off throughout the season and the year will let the body recover -
Hydrate adequately before and during practice and games
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Wear properly fitted shoes
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Be aware of the environment
Especially when playing basketball on outside courts - the court may not be smooth and even everywhere.
Contact Us:
New Jersey locations:
Bloomfield NJ Physical Therapy 44 Park Street Bloomfield , NJ 07003 Phone: 9736852335 Email us
Clifton NJ Physical Therapy - 1070 Clifton Ave 1070 Clifton Ave #1A Clifton , NJ 07013 Phone: 973-246-6565 Email us
Clifton NJ Physical Therapy - 1700 Rte 3 West 1700 Rte 3 West #Grnd Clifton , NJ 07013 Phone: 862-591-1000 Email us
Fair Lawn NJ Physical Therapy - Holsman Physical and Occupational Therapy 15-01 Broadway Ste 12 Fair Lawn , NJ 07410 Phone: 201-355-5199 Email us
Kearny NJ Physical Therapy 711 Kearny Ave Kearny , NJ 07032 Phone: 201-535-8555 Email us
Rahway NJ Physical Therapy 1600 Saint Georges Ave #107 Rahway , NJ 07065 Phone: 732-428-5566 Email us
Cedar Grove NJ Physical Therapy 408 Pompton Ave Cedar Grove , NJ 07009 Phone: 973-433-0732 Email us
Caldwell NJ Physical Therapy 378 Bloomfield Ave Caldwell , NJ 07006 Phone: 973-968-6002 Email us
Fair Lawn NJ Physical Therapy - Holsman Children's Therapy Center 15-01 Broadway Ste 14C Fair Lawn , NJ 07410 Phone: 201-351-1682 Email us
Newark NJ Physical Therapy 1060 Broad St #Bsmt Newark , NJ 07102 Phone: 973-457-4232 Email us
Jersey City NJ Physical Therapy 361 Montgomery St Jersey City , NJ 07302 Phone: 201-932-2656 Email us
Paterson NJ Physical Therapy 764 Main St. Suite 401 Paterson, NJ 07503 Phone: 973-705-7255 Email us
New York Locations:
Bronx NY Physical Therapy - 817 E 180th St 817 E 180th St Bronx , NY 10460 Phone: 718-355-9652 Email us
Bronx NY Morris Park Physical Therapy - 799 Morris Park Ave 799 Morris Park Ave Bronx , NY 10462 Phone: 718-684-6300 Email us
Brooklyn NY Physical Therapy 423 Lincoln Pl Brooklyn , NY 11238-5499 Phone: 347-708-9701 Email us
Brooklyn NY Liberty Ave 1084 Liberty Ave Brooklyn, NY 11208 Phone: 347-586-0625 Email us