Basketball Related Injuries

05 Nov Basketball Related Injuries

Orthopedist in Wantagh

Basketball season is in full swing with players hitting the hardwood in preparation for giving their all this year. Created way back in 1891 by legendary educator James Naismith, basketball has stood the test of time as one of the most popular games played not only in our country but internationally as well. The sport has become increasingly mainstream in recent years, due to the presence of high-profile athletes in the NBA such as LeBron James and Stephen Curry. Because of this, young athletes are eager to imitate the star-studded rosters they see each game on primetime television. Few actions in sports can be more thrilling than dunking a basketball straight through the round cylinder. That being said, despite the excitement surrounding the sport, injuries also remain a possibility. If you’ve suffered an injury from playing basketball and need the assistance of an Orthopedist in Wantagh, reach out to Advanced Orthopedics & Joint Preservation for potential treatment options.  

Types of Injuries

Basketball is a sport that predominantly focuses on repeated running and jumping in order to grab rebounds and score baskets. The sport also encompasses frequent sprinting up and down the court while making swift cuts to dodge would be defenders. Unfortunately, this can lead to wear and tear on the lower portion of the body and may inevitably lead to injury. Your orthopedist in Wantagh cites the following as examples of potential injuries that may occur from playing basketball:

• Meniscus Tear: Acting as a shock absorber between the thigh-bone and shinbone, your meniscus is able to help maintain stability within the knee. Tears may occur in basketball when a player jumps and lands on the knee, creating a twisting motion. In some cases, players may hear a “popping” noise when the injury occurs. This can be an immediate warning sign of a meniscus tear.
• ACL/MCL Tear: Ligament injuries such as these are often very painful and typically lead to a prolonged rehab period. Generally, most athletes who experience these tears will likely miss the remainder of their season (and potentially parts of the year after). Similar to meniscus tears, knee injuries such as ACL damage may occur after jumping and landing in an awkward position.
• Shin Splints: Commonly occurring after running, shin splints create inflammation on the shin bone due to stress and overuse. Naturally, basketball forces a player to periodically run back and forth, making shin splints a regularly recurring injury.
• Sprained Ankle: Sprains within the ankle area are also a common basketball injury that can occur through an unordinary motion. Typically, players may roll their ankle when unleashing a crossover move or any other type of abrupt cut. Rolling and twisting of the ankle are the prime catalysts for sprains.

Treatment/Contact

Minimally invasive surgery from your orthopedist in Wantagh is one potential treatment option for the healing of ACL tears and other knee related injuries. Understandably, the severity of the issue at hand will determine the options to be utilized moving forward. Less detrimental injuries such as shins splints and ankle sprains typically can be treated through regular rest and icing, but your orthopedist in Wantagh is able to assess the injury and provide specific treatment plans. Contact Advanced Orthopedics & Joint Preservation today for more information on what they can provide for your assistance.