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Common Basketball Injuries AND HOWYOU CAN PREVENT THEM
athletes susceptible to these types of injuries. To protect your lower extremities, you need to focus on your overall support. Playing with high-top basketball shoes is a great start because they impede your ankles’ ability to roll from side to side. It also doesn’t hurt to wrap your ankles with athletic tape if you want to take extra preventive measures or are prone to ankle injuries. Hips and Thighs Jumping, running, pivoting, and playing defense all place strain on the legs and hips. Bruises and strains in these areas can result from contact on the court or overextending muscles and ligaments. The more flexible your muscles and tendons are, the less likely you are to overextend and injure them in the process. Take the time to stretch your legs and hips to prevent future injuries. Knees Severe knee injuries, like ACL tears, are more common in high-contact sports, but you can still suffer from minor sprains and strains while shooting hoops. In fact, knee injuries are the third most common basketball injury. To keep your knees from working too hard, make sure you’re committed to a good stretching regimen. You should also consider using a brace if you’ve suffered a prior injury. While many injuries are unavoidable, showing up to the court unprepared is a surefire way to increase your chances of getting hurt. Follow these tips and be sure to consult a physical therapist if you have any questions or concerns. Your body will thank you for it!
a b l e n e e P a i n More people spending time outdoors (especially with summer vacation season coming up fast) means more people spending time on their feet. All this standing, walking, jogging, and running can put additional stress on the knees, resulting in knee aches and pains. But the right shoes can help alleviate some of that knee pain and stress. The challenge for people with osteoarthritis, tendinitis, or other conditions affecting the knee is tracking down that perfect pair of shoes. To help make your next shoe search easier, here are a few tips to keep in mind. Ask for assistance. When you know your shoe size and the style you want, it’s tempting to visit the shoe store, get in, and get out without consulting anyone. However, consulting a shoe expert can make a world of difference. For instance, many athletic shoe stores have the tools and know-how to set you up with a great pair of shoes. Go flat. Heeled shoes, both high and low, place a lot of strain on the knees, a notion confirmed by a Harvard Medical School study. If you’re a basketball fan, you’ll probably be watching the NBA semifinals and finals this month. Now that the weather is cooperating, you might even be inclined to head out to a local court and prove that you’re a basketball champion too. But in your haste to prove that you’ve still got some mad ups, you may increase your chances of injury. According to the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, there are a handful of injuries basketball players suffer more than anyone else. Here are three that basketball players commonly experience and how you can avoid them during pickup games. Feet and Ankles Whether it’s rolling an ankle, coming down wrong when rebounding, or accidentally getting stepped on, basketball naturally leaves
When you shop for footwear, focus on shoes that offer even footing from heel to toe. There should be minimal
difference in the sole at the front and the back of the shoe, not including any arch support you may need.
Soft, but not too soft. Well-padded soles reduce the amount of strain placed on the knee. A good cushion will absorb the impact of walking, but you don’t want overly soft padding. When padding is too soft, your feet may not get the proper amount of support you need. It’s all about achieving a balance between padding and support — something a shoe expert can help you find. You can always ask your physical therapist to evaluate and prescribe the best shoes for your feet; they’re the real shoe experts!
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