Hoop Hurts: Help for Common Basketball Injuries

Each year, athletes take to the courts in pick-up games and leagues. These athletes can get hurt just like the pros and college players—probably even more. Elite players spend much of their time on basketball-focused training, but others tend to think about the game only once and a while or at certain times of the year.

Sports like running and bicycling will not help you get used to the demands of the game. It involves short, sudden bursts, quick stops and starts, and contact. So, if you are planning to play hoops, know that you will need to train to lower the risk of these injuries.

Muscle Strains

The quick bursts of speed and direction changes can make for sore muscles after a game. Athletes are most likely to have muscle strains early in the season when their body is not yet in game shape. You can lower the risk of some of the early season muscle strains by getting your body ready before the season starts.

If you have a painful muscle strain, ice it right away and keep icing it on and off for a few days or until any swelling has gone down. You can also take pain relievers like ibuprofen.

Ankle Sprains

A sprained ankle can happen when you go up for a rebound in a group of players and come down on someone else's foot or make a sudden cut. These are often sprains to the outside of the ankle.

To care for your ankle, just think "PRICE:" protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Icing will help control the swelling and pain. You may need to see a doctor to suggest a supportive device or to find out if the ankle is sprained or broken.

Jammed Finger

Ice and elevate a jammed finger right away. You can also take pain relievers, such as ibuprofen. See your doctor if you think your finger might be dislocated, you cannot move it at all, or the end part of the finger stays bent.

Knee Sprain

A common knee sprain in basketball is a medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain. It can be caused by either planting then cutting too hard or by hitting the outside of your knee on someone else's planted leg. Preseason leg strengthening may help lower the risk.

Treat MCL sprains with ice even though they do not swell much. Try a knee sleeve for compression and make sure you work on your range of motion as soon as you can. For all knee injuries, it is a good to be seen by a doctor.

Torn ACL

(ACL) tears are common in the game. Practice jumping and landing balanced on both feet and on the balls of your feet to lower the risk. If you think you might have a torn ACL, get seen by a doctor. It may need to be repaired if you want to keep playing.

Preseason Drills

Start training for the season in the weeks or months before it starts. Focus on strength training squats, plyometrics , and jumping drills as well as drills that help you move well on the court.

Here are a few on-court drills:

Revision Information

• Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board
• Review Date: 06/2021
• Update Date: 06/29/2021