Do you know the most common injuries in basketball?
Landings, side-cutting or a sudden change of direction are some of the sport-specific demands that may increase the risk of injury in basketball players.
About 60 % of injuries in basketball occur in the legs. Acute ankle sprains are most common, followed by acute knee injuries and muscle strains in the groin or thigh. Injuries to the fingers are also common, but less serious. Up to 80 % of all acute injuries in basketball happen as a result of direct contact with an opponent, the ball or the court.
Some players are also at risk of having pain in the knees, back, lower leg and Achilles tendon. This can be the result of an overuse injury. Symptoms may persist for a long time if they are not diagnosed early and taken seriously. Concussion is another injury that should receive immediate care and follow-up.
Common injuries
- Ankle sprains
- Knee injury – ligament injuries, including the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
- Muscle strains – groin, thigh
- Back pain
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome
- Jumper's knee
- Stress fractures: shin, ankle
- Finger injuries
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Concussion