You love basketball, the thrill it offers, and the cheering of the crowd. But, with all this comes the risk of painful injuries. Every pivot, every jump, and every collision brings a chance of injury. So, before you decide to play basketball unprepared, let’s learn about the most common injury among basketball players.
Common Types of Injuries in Basketball
By nature, basketball is a high-impact and fast-paced game that comes with a high risk of serious injuries. Therefore, to take the necessary precautions and save yourself from them, you must learn about their types. We are listing 6 common types of injuries in basketball games below.
Ankle Sprains
When we talk about the most common basketball injury, ankle sprains top the list. This injury occurs in basketball players when their ankle joint is either twisted or rolled during the play and ends up damaging the ligaments.
Knee Injuries
Basketball is all about jumping and running. However, high intensity of these can stress the knees, which often results in injuries like meniscus tears, ACL tears, and patellar tendonitis.
Thigh and Hip Injuries
The thigh and hip areas come under intense impact during the basketball game. Sudden movement or change of direction during the game results in thigh and hip injuries that include but are not limited to hamstring strains, hip flexor strains, groin strains, and hip labral tears.
Wrist and Hand Injuries
Basketball players need to use their hands as much as their legs to make sure the ball reaches the net. Due to this, the chances of wrists, hands, and fingers are more than any other injury. Jammed fingers, wrist sprains, and hand fractures are among the common risks to basketball players.
Shoulder Injuries
Shoulder injuries are also common to basketball players, and they are frequent when it comes to shooting or passing the ball. The continuous overhead motion results in shoulder injuries like rotator cuff tendinitis, impingement syndrome, and bursitis.
Concussions
Concussions or head injuries are another common injury that occurs to basketball players. These injuries occur when you collide with other players, the ball, or the floor during the game.
What is the Most Painful Injury in Basketball?
The most painful injury in basketball is the ankle sprains and fractures. Since this injury occurs due to excessive pressure on the ankle area, a slight weight can increase the pain. However, the amount of pain varies from player to player according to their pain tolerance.
10 Proven Methods to Avoid Injuries in Basketball
While we have discussed the types of injuries and most painful injury in basketball games, let’s move toward the methods to avoid these injuries. We have researched and listed 10 proven methods that can help every basketball player out there.
Choose the Best Basketball Socks
It might sound unreal, but choosing the right pair of socks can prevent or minimize the common injuries in basketball, such as ankle sprains and more. Professionals recommend using the best basketball socks that are made to enhance your performance and provide necessary support to your feet throughout the game.
Wear the Right Shoes
Shoe selection is as important in basketball as it is to choose the pair of socks. Appropriate shoes not only offer traction, cushioning, support, breathability, and durability, but they also prevent injuries from occurring during an intense basketball game. Try to buy shoes that are specifically designed for basketball players.
Stay Hydrated Throughout the Game
Apart from the physical elements, things like proper hydration for the game also play a vital role in preventing injuries. Make sure you intake plenty of fluids during the game and before it to ensure you have the necessary hydration to ace the game.
Warm-up Activities are a Must
Warm up activities should not be neglected before the basketball game as they prevent severe injuries. Perform dynamic stretches as they help improve the blood flow and prepare your muscles for excessive movement during the game.
Focus On Technique
To prevent injuries in basketball, make sure you master the right techniques. Opt for a professional coach or academy to learn how to properly land after the jumps, the right way to shoot, and change direction. Focusing on techniques can significantly reduce the chances of injuries.
Ensure a Safe Environment
The environment of the basketball court also plays a vital role in preventing injuries. Ensure you are playing in a well-maintained environment and the basketball court is dry, clean, and up to standard. A court with ideal floor conditions offers appropriate traction to basketball players and reduces the risk of falls and slips.
Use Proper Equipment
Another great method to avoid injuries in basketball is using proper equipment made specifically for basketball. Choose a basketball that offers proper grip and bounce to ensure you perform well and do not slip. Use high-quality protective gear like mouthguards, wrist guards, and knee and elbow pads that save you during collisions and falls.
Take Time to Heal
Healing is an important element in preventing injuries during basketball games. After basketball training, take time to heal as it improves your performance and allows your body to repair and rebuild.
Prioritize Your Body
The enthusiasm to play basketball is understandable, but listening to your body is also important. If you feel stressed or there is pain in any area of your body, you need to immediately stop and rest. Remember, the human body shows signs of overuse before a severe injury.
Try Cross Training
To make your joints and muscles used to high-impact basketball games, try cross-training as a method to avoid injuries. Include activities like swimming and cycling in your routine so that your muscles and joints become tolerable to pressure and stress.
Conclusion:
Playing basketball at its fullest is a dream of every player. However, fear of injuries might hold you back. With the help of the right methods to prevent injuries, like wearing socks specifically designed for basketball, you can enjoy the game as you please. At Hywell, we have a whole collection of socks that are designed to keep feet at ease and avoid injuries like ankle sprains and more.
