March Madness is a thrilling time for basketball fans everywhere, but it can also be a dangerous time for players. Each year, teams of athletes compete for the championship, often pushing their bodies to the limit. Unfortunately, this can lead to serious basketball injuries. While some injuries can be debilitating and even career-ending, some can be prevented and heal quickly with the right treatment. Physical therapy, for example, can be great for injury rehab - our team at EW Motion Therapy focuses on sport-specific programming to get our athletes back in the game. Even if you decide our services do not fit your needs, we still want to discuss the top 5 basketball injuries related to March Madness and how to prevent them.
Top 5 March Madness basketball injuries
1) Sprained ankle
A sprained ankle is a common basketball injury. It occurs when the ligaments in the ankle are stretched or torn, usually due to an unnatural twisting movement. Depending on the severity, a sprained ankle can range from mild swelling and tenderness to severe pain and inability to bear weight.
There are three types of ankle sprains: inversion (rolling inward), eversion (rolling outward) and a combination of the two. Inversion sprains are the most common type and are caused by stepping on another player's foot or landing awkwardly after a jump. Eversion sprains occur when the foot rolls away from the body and usually happen when players cut or pivot quickly.
Sprained ankles can be graded as mild (Grade I), moderate (Grade II), or severe (Grade III). Grade I sprains are the least severe, with minimal swelling and pain, while Grade III sprains involve a complete tear of the ligament and may require a longer recovery time. It is important to know the severity of the injury, as it will determine the best course of action. Rest and icing are usually recommended for Grade I sprains, while Grade II and III sprains may require a cast or brace and physical therapy.
Ankle sprains are one of the most common basketball injuries, as athletes frequently move rapidly in various directions on the court, making them prone to ligament damage. Additionally, players may be fatigued from overtraining or lack proper footwear, both of which increase their risk for injury. Wearing supportive shoes and following a safe training plan can help reduce the risk of an ankle sprain. With proper treatment and care, basketball injuries like sprained ankles can heal properly and allow players to get back on the court in no time.
2) Knee injuries
Knee injuries are one of the most common injuries in basketball, especially during March Madness. College basketball players can suffer from a variety of knee injuries due to the physical nature of the game. The most common types of knee injuries include ligament tears, tendonitis, and patellar tendonitis. These injuries usually occur due to sudden changes in direction, jumping and landing incorrectly, or direct contact with an opponent.
Knee ligament tears can be especially dangerous for basketball players since the knee is responsible for many of the motions used during gameplay. When a ligament tears, the knee joint becomes unstable, which can lead to further injury if not treated properly. In addition to rest and physical therapy, a doctor may prescribe painkillers or recommend surgery to correct the injury.
Tendonitis is another common basketball injury that can occur when there is too much pressure placed on the tendons in the knee. The tendons in the knee become inflamed, causing pain and stiffness. This is often caused by repetitive motions such as running and jumping. Treatment typically includes rest, icing the knee, and over-the-counter medication to reduce inflammation.
Patellar tendonitis is another form of tendonitis that affects the tendons that connect the kneecap to the shinbone. It causes pain and swelling in the knee and is typically caused by repetitive motion or sudden jerking motions. Treatment for this condition includes rest, icing, and physical therapy.
3) Shoulder injuries
Shoulder injuries are among the most common basketball injuries, particularly in college basketball. Players who have to jump and land quickly, reach high, or swing their arms in order to make a shot are particularly at risk of a shoulder injury. The most common shoulder injuries include rotator cuff tears, shoulder instability, and shoulder impingement syndrome.
A rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that are found in the shoulder joint and help with rotation, movement, and stability. Rotator cuff tears occur when tendons or muscles tear away from the shoulder joint. These types of injuries can be very severe, and often require surgery to fix. Shoulder instability occurs when the shoulder joint is weakened, often due to repetitive stress. This can result in shoulder dislocation, or the shoulder being pushed out of its socket. Shoulder impingement syndrome occurs when the soft tissue in the shoulder is compressed, resulting in pain and reduced range of motion.
The intensity and physicality of college basketball put players at higher risk of suffering from these types of shoulder injuries. Reaching for rebounds or jumping for blocks can put a strain on the shoulder joints and cause these types of injuries to occur. Other activities such as contact with other players or landing from a jump also put players at risk of injury. It's important for players to protect their shoulders by warming up and stretching before games.
4) Concussion
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that can be caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. It is one of the most common types of sports-related injuries, and is especially common in college basketball due to the amount of contact that happens on the court.
Concussions can range from mild to severe and can have various symptoms, including headache, confusion, nausea, and dizziness. While concussions can happen anywhere, they are most often seen in sports such as college basketball.
Concussions are usually graded on a scale from Grade 1 to Grade 3. A Grade 1 concussion is considered mild, with symptoms lasting for less than 15 minutes. A Grade 2 concussion is more serious and has symptoms that last for longer than 15 minutes. Finally, a Grade 3 concussion is considered the most severe, and typically requires an overnight hospital stay.
In college basketball, concussions often happen due to contact with other players or the floor. In addition, concussions can also occur when a player falls or collides with the backboard or any other hard object on the court.
Concussions are one of the top 5 basketball injuries that can happen during March Madness, and it's important for coaches and players to recognize the signs and symptoms of a concussion so they can seek proper medical attention.
5) Fractures
A fracture is an injury to a bone's structure. Fractures can occur anywhere in the body, including in basketball injuries. There are various types of fractures, ranging from minor to severe. Bones in the hands, wrists, arms, legs and feet are all commonly fractured in basketball. The most common type of fracture related to basketball is a stress fracture. Stress fractures occur from repeated force or pressure on the same area of the bone, usually from running and jumping during intense play. Stress fractures can range from small cracks in the bone to large breaks.
The second most common fracture associated with basketball is an avulsion fracture. An avulsion fracture occurs when a ligament or tendon tears away a piece of the bone where it attaches to the joint. This type of fracture usually happens in the feet or ankles.
The third type of fracture that can occur from basketball is an open or compound fracture. An open or compound fracture occurs when the broken bone pierces the skin and is exposed to air. This type of fracture is particularly severe and requires immediate medical attention.
Overall, fractures are one of the top 5 most common basketball injuries and can vary in severity. It is important to be aware of the signs of a fracture, such as severe pain, swelling, bruising, and a popping or grinding sensation. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Knowing the risks associated with playing college basketball and how to prevent the top 5 most common basketball injuries can help you stay safe while enjoying the game.
How can physical therapy help with basketball injury recovery?
March Madness can be an exciting time for college basketball fans, but it can also be a time of increased injuries. It is important to be aware of these risks and to seek medical attention if you or someone you know is injured on the court. Resources such as the American College of Sports Medicine provide helpful information on basketball injury prevention and treatment, and physical therapy can be an excellent treatment option for injury recovery. If you are curious about what else physical therapy can do for you, click the button below to read our answers to 20 frequently-asked physical therapy questions.
