THIS POST IS PART OF THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SPORTS MEDICINE
For many Hoosiers, basketball is a favorite sport to play and watch. As the season takes off it’s important to remember that there are dangers involved and a risk of injury for those who take part in the running, jumping and fast-paced demands of the sport.
What injuries can you get from basketball?
According to OrthoIndy sports medicine specialist, Dr. Scott Gudeman, the most common basketball injuries he sees include:
- Knee sprains
- Patellar tendonitis (also known as Jumpers’ Knee)
- ACL tears
- Ankle sprains
- Shoulder labral tears
“Overall the most common injury among basketball players is probably ankle sprains,” said Dr. Gudeman. “Oftentimes, ankle sprains occur when a basketball player lands on another player’s foot causing the ankle to twist.”
However, it is also common for knee injuries to occur without contact. Similar to knee injuries in many sports, making a hard cut can cause the knee to buckle and result in an injury, such as an ACL tear.
How are basketball injuries treated?
“Most injuries can be diagnosed with a thorough history and exam of the patient,” said Dr. Gudeman. “Swelling and pain around the injured area also help me determine the severity of the injury.”
In most cases, basketball injuries can be treated non-operatively with rest, ice and rehabilitation. However, more serious injuries may require surgery.
“There are many variables that determine how long it will take for a basketball player to return to the court,” said Dr. Gudeman. “It all depends on the seriousness of the injury, the course of treatment and the level of motivation of the athlete.”
Injury prevention
Dr. Gudeman suggests proper pre-season conditioning to avoid injuries, especially overuse injuries, during the basketball season. It’s also important for an athlete to remember that if he or she is injured, it’s essential to let the injury heal completely before getting back on the court; this reduces the risk of re-injury and usually leads to improved performance.
Learn more about sports medicine treatment at OrthoIndy.
Schedule an appointment
Your well-being is important to us. Click the button below or call us to schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists. If your injury or condition is recent, you can walk right into one of our OrthoIndy Urgent Care locations for immediate care. For rehabilitation and physical therapy, no referral is needed to see one of our physical therapists.
