Basketball is an intense team sport with participants jumping, running, turning and twisting. Injuries are bound to happen. Some of the most common injuries seen in basketball are anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries (incidence rate is higher in females), ankle sprains and patellar tendonitis.
ACL injuries. An ACL injury is the tearing of the anterior cruciate ligament — one of the major ligaments in the knee. ACL injuries most commonly occur during sports that involve sudden stops, jumping or changes in direction like basketball. Signs and symptoms of an ACL injury usually include a loud “pop” or a “popping” sensation in the knee, severe pain and inability to continue activity, swelling, loss of range of motion and a feeling of instability or “giving way” with weight bearing. The best way to prevent ACL injuries is to stretch and strengthen the muscles of the leg mainly the thigh muscles (quadriceps and hamstrings). Treatment for an ACL tear that causes instability in the knee requires surgical intervention followed by months of physical therapy to regain function and strength. Athletes with incomplete tears who maintain knee stability may only need physical therapy and a strengthening program.
Ankle sprains. Most commonly the ankle turns inward stretching the ligaments on the outside of the ankle (lateral ankle sprain). Symptoms of an ankle sprain include pain, swelling, possible bruising, sometimes the inability to bear weight on the affected ankle, tenderness and painful range of motion. To prevent ankle sprains, athletes should work on muscle flexibility of the lower leg, strengthening the ankle, and balance exercises. If an athlete has a history of ankle sprains, taping or bracing may help to prevent future injury. Treatment for an ankle sprain includes rest, ice, using a compression brace to control swelling (along with anti-inflammatory medications) and elevating the leg whenever possible. The use of crutches may be helpful to prevent putting weight on the ankle. Once symptoms are controlled, a rehabilitation program should be started to get back to full activity.
Patellar tendonitis. Patellar tendinitis (also known as “jumper’s knee”) is an overuse injury due to repeated stress on the tendon connecting your patella (kneecap) to your tibia (shinbone). The patellar tendon works with the muscles at the front of your thigh to extend your knee so you can kick, run and jump. Symptoms include pain in the front of the knee and possible mild swelling. Prevention of this injury includes not playing through pain (rest), strengthening the muscles of the upper leg and improving technique. Treatment includes rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medication, a gradual return to activity and the use of a patellar tendon strap once activity is resumed along with a continued strengthening regimen.
Aaron Armstrong, MPE, ATC
Athletic Trainer
Elite Sports Medicine Clinic at the Sports, Spine and Rehabilitation Centre
esmbahamas@gmail.com
Aaron Armstrong holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA in Athletic Training and has been a Board Certified Athletic Trainer since 2012. He also earned a Master of Physical Education degree in Athletic Administration from Idaho State University in Pocatello, ID.
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