Basketball QUICKGuide
The experts at Summit Orthopedics provide basketball injury prevention tips in their QUICKGuide to prevent injuries and stay safe during the sport.
Protect those ankles
Basketball has one of the highest rates of ankle injuries. Consider a simple lace-up ankle brace whenever playing basketball; this is encouraged whether you’ve had an ankle injury in the past or not.
Ditch the running shoes
If you play basketball often, shoes made specifically for basketball, rather than standard tennis or running shoes, are worth purchasing. While you don’t have to get this season’s top-of-the-line must-have shoe, do look for a shoe that has a close fit, good ankle support and is non-skid.
Save those knees, please
The ACL, one of the ligaments that cross in the knee and stabilize the joint, is an easy target for injury, especially in females. In fact, studies show that females are 2-8 times more likely to injure their ACL. The good news: there is a great warm up program designed to prevent ACL injury that only takes about 15 minutes and can be integrated into practices. It was made originally for soccer athletes, but can be easily adapted to basketball. Check it out at: Santa Monica Sports Medicine Research Foundation – PEP Program
Is stretching really that important?
Short answer: yes. Basketball players have notoriously tight quads and hamstrings – not good for such an explosive sport. After that warm-up, add in extra stretching for those areas. Getting resistance from your athlete? If the pros find time to do it before every practice and game, they can too.
Off-season, what off-season?
If your athlete plays year-round basketball, they are at greater risk of overuse injuries, even compared to those who play all year but switch sports season-to-season. If your athlete only likes basketball, ten weeks of rest at some point in the year is encouraged.
Summit Orthopedics offers comprehensive sports medicine expertise
From Olympians to pro athletes to kids in youth sports and those that just want to be more active—Summit Orthopedics delivers expert care by fellowship-trained sports medicine physicians. If you are recently injured or concerned about ongoing pain, Summit Orthopedics sports medicine specialists have the expertise to evaluate your discomfort and develop a plan to quickly and safely help you get back to being active.
Start your journey to stronger, healthier athletic condition. Find your sports medicine expert, request an appointment online, or call us at (651) 968–5201 to schedule a sports medicine consultation.
Summit has convenient locations across the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin. We have state-of-the-art centers for comprehensive orthopedic care in Eagan, MN, Vadnais Heights, MN, Plymouth, MN, and Woodbury, MN, as well as several additional community clinics.
More resources for you
-
Kristen Holmen, PT, MPT
Posture is key to normal movement and function. I work to restore normal movement patterns and function so patients can continue to live the life they envision, whether that’s caring for their grandchildren or being a triathlete.
Also see...
-
How Is Jumper’s Knee Treated?
Jumper’s knee is an injury to the tendon usually caused by overuse and repetitive actions that stress the tendon. We review the variety of conservative and surgical options available to treat this injury.
-
Ankle Sprains: Physical Therapy Now Can Prevent Surgery Later
Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries, and are often treated at home. Summit physical therapist Teresa Werth explains how physical therapy after your first sprain may prevent a chain of subsequent injuries that may necessitate surgical treatment.
-
High School Basketball Injury Prevention
The fast pace of high school basketball games can be thrilling to watch, but the speed of the sport can also result in a wide range of injuries. We have tips to help your high school basketball athlete enjoy an injury-free season.