Basketball injuries

Injury can strike whether you're shooting some hoops down at the local playground or you're slamming baskets in front of hundreds of spectators. Basketball injuries can be nagging or even agonising, so getting the facts and seeking medical treatment is essential. Physiotherapy after injury cannot only help with the healing process, but it can help restore muscle and build strength.

Many basketball injuries are acquired over time through overuse of joints. One such injury, patellar tendonitis, is even known as jumper's knee. This is an affliction of the tendon below the kneecap. Another such injury is Achilles tendonitis, which causes pain in the back area of the ankle near the heel. Some players damage the tendon in their shoulder from repeated use of the joint. This is known as rotator cuff tendonitis.

Some basketball injuries can be more traumatic in nature. They can occur from sudden damage to an area of the body. Sprains, when ligaments are stretched or torn, are one of the most common of these types of injuries. RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) is often the first step in recovering from this painful athletics injury. Rehabilitating the strength and flexibility of the area can be restored through physiotherapy after injury.

Jammed fingers are also a common injury suffered during basketball. The extent of the injury, which may include swelling or fractured bone, should dictate whether you seek medical attention.

More damaging basketball injuries may involve severe damage to the knee such as severing the ligaments or cartilage. Both types of injuries may require surgery depending on the severity of the injury. Tearing of the meniscus, or cartilage in the knee, is a common injury associated with basketball.

There are four major ligaments in the knee, but two of them are most commonly damaged: The ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament, connects the femur to the tibia. The MCL, or medial collateral ligament, is located on the inner side of the knee joint.

If you are suffering from any type of sports injury, it is always the wise move to have it checked. Ignoring the signs of injury can lead to further aggravation and even greater damage. Come and see us at Southbank Physiotherapy for an evaluation of your injury and a plan to get you back on the court.