Injuries happen, especially when you fully immerse yourself into any type of sport. Although injuries are preventable, they still happen.
Common Basketball Injuries
Just like any other sport, you’ll be prone to some common injuries while playing basketball. Thing is, if you take rest and exercise well, you should be able to prevent these injuries. And as is the case with everything in life, don’t overdo your training/exercise. Everything in moderation, folks. Take note (and take precautions!) to avoid the common injuries given below –
Ankle Sprain
As the name suggests, this is a tear in the ligaments of the ankle. A ligament is a short, tough fibrous tissue that connects two bones together. The ligaments around the ankle are responsible for keeping it in place.
You know you’ve sprained your ankle when –
- You can’t move your ankle (duh)
- You feel pain when applying weight to your leg
- When you see swelling or bruising
Treating the sprained ankle –
- A common method called R.I.C.E – Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation
- Over the counter pain relievers
- Stretching and balancing exercises
Achilles Tendonitis
This title doesn’t really suggest much, so I’ll just go on and explain a bit. A tendon is a strong, fibrous tissue that connects muscle to bone. The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel. A lot of running and walking will put stress on the lower end of the tendon, due to which the back of the heel will start hurting. Obesity and flat feet also contribute to this. Among other things, exercising in cold weather, not wearing proper shoes, will exacerbate the condition.
You know you’ve got Achilles Tendonitis when –
- You feel pain in the heel along the tendon when running, walking, or even while standing
- You can see swelling on and around the heel
Treating Achilles Tendonitis –
- Avoid or limit doing things which need you to exert your legs
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Specific exercises