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Basketball was first introduced to the world in 1891 by Dr. James Naismith, using a soccer ball and two peach baskets. Today’s high-speed, physical sport scarcely resembles the original game. With modern basketball’s fast-paced game come many opportunities for injuries. It is estimated that more than 1.6 million injuries are associated with basketball each year.
Treatment for an ankle sprain involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). The need for X-rays and evaluation by a physician is determined on a case-by-case basis and depends on the severity and location of pain. Pain and swelling over the bone itself may need further evaluation. An injury to the ankle in a child who is still growing could represent a simple sprain or could be the result of an injury to the growth plates located around the ankle and should be evaluated by a physician.
Jammed fingers occur when the ball contacts the end of the finger and causes significant swelling of a single joint. Application of ice and buddy taping the finger to the adjacent finger may provide some relief and allow the athlete to return to play. If pain and swelling persist, evaluation by a physician or athletic trainer is recommended and an X-ray of the finger may be needed.
Basketball requires extensive stop-and-go and cutting maneuvers which can put the ligaments and menisci of the knee at risk. Injury to the medial collateral ligament is most common following a blow to the outside of the knee and can often be treated with ice, bracing, and a gradual return to activity. An injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is more serious and can occur with an abrupt change in direction or landing from a jump. Although this ligament tear is most commonly a season-ending injury that requires corrective surgery, current techniques used to repair the ACL generally allow the player to return to play the following season.
Treatment includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Commercially available girdles with thigh pads are now available for protection.
Depending on the depth of the injury, the cut may require stitches or a “butterfly” sterile tape. Ice may provide pain relief and decrease swelling. Players can return to play after all blood is removed and the wound is dressed.
Stress fractures can occur from a rapid increase in activity level or training, or from overtraining. Stress fractures in basketball most commonly occur in the foot and lower leg (tibia). Once diagnosed, a period of immobilization and non-weight bearing is recommended. Return to play is permitted once the fracture has completely healed and the athlete is pain-free.
While not every basketball injury can be avoided, most can be reduced with the right preparation and habits. Build a foundation of fitness, listen to your body, and get cleared by a healthcare professional before returning from any injury.
Daniel E. Matthews, MD
Jo A. Hannafin, MD, PhD
Dr. James Naismith, Inventor of Basketball, history, Kansas Heritage Group.
Miyasaka KC, Daniel DM, Stone ML. The incidence of knee ligament injuries in the general population. Am J Knee Surg. 4:43-48, 1991.
Griffin, Letha Y. MD, PhD. Prevention of Noncontact ACL Injuries. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Sports Tips provide general information only and are not a substitute for your own good judgement or consultation with a physician. To order multiple copies of this fact sheet or learn more about sports injury prevention, please visit www.STOPSportsInjuries.org.
