Basketball is built on jumping, landing, cutting and sudden stops, so it is no surprise that ankles, knees and fingers take a beating. The good news is that many court injuries can be reduced with smart preparation. Here are the most common basketball injuries, what they feel like, and how to protect yourself.
Ankle sprains
Ankle sprains are probably the most common basketball injury. They usually happen when a player lands on another player's foot or comes down on an uneven spot and the ankle rolls inward. The ligaments on the outer side of the ankle stretch or tear.
You may notice pain, swelling, bruising and trouble putting weight on the foot. Mild sprains often improve with rest, ice, compression and elevation, followed by gentle motion and strengthening.
Do not ignore a bad sprain. If the ankle is very swollen, looks out of shape, or you cannot take a few steps, you need an X-ray to rule out a fracture. A sprain that is never fully rehabbed often leaves the ankle weak, and it tends to roll again.
Jumper's knee
Jumper's knee, also called patellar tendinitis, is an overuse problem. The tendon that connects the kneecap to the shin gets irritated from repeated jumping and landing.
The classic sign is pain just below the kneecap that shows up during or after play, especially with jumping, squatting or climbing stairs. At first it may ease once you warm up. Left alone, it can start to hurt during everyday activity too.
Treatment usually starts with cutting back on jumping, building strength in the quads, hips and calves, and improving landing form. If pain lingers, our team can look for other causes and talk through options on our knee pain treatment page.
Jammed and injured fingers
Fingers get hit by the ball all the time. A jammed finger happens when the tip is driven back toward the hand, stretching the ligaments in the joint. Swelling, stiffness and pain are common.
Many jams are mild, but some hide a fracture or a torn tendon. See a doctor if the finger looks crooked, cannot fully bend or straighten, feels numb, or stays swollen and painful after several days. Buddy taping a finger to its neighbor for support can help while you wait to be seen.
ACL tears
The anterior cruciate ligament keeps the knee stable. In basketball, tears often happen on a non-contact landing or a sudden change of direction. Players commonly feel or hear a pop, then the knee swells and feels like it might give out.
If this happens, stop playing and have the knee checked. An ACL tear usually needs a proper exam and imaging, and many athletes who want to return to cutting sports discuss ACL reconstruction with a surgeon. Dr. Mehran Manouel specializes in this kind of surgery.
How to prevent injuries on the court
Most prevention comes down to preparing the body before games and respecting rest afterward.
- Warm up for ten minutes with light jogging, leg swings, lunges and easy jumps before you play.
- Strengthen the calves, quads, hamstrings, hips and core, and practice balance work on one leg.
- Learn to land softly with knees bent and pointed over the toes, not caving inward.
- Wear basketball shoes that fit well and replace them when the tread or cushioning wears down.
- Take rest days, and avoid playing back to back games all week if you feel sore.
- Check the court for wet spots and loose objects before you start.
- Stop and get checked if pain changes how you move.
Do not play through pain
It is tempting to tape it up and keep going, especially during a season. But pain is your body asking for attention. Playing on an injured joint often turns a short recovery into a long one.
A sports medicine visit can sort out what is a simple sprain and what needs more care, so you can plan your return with confidence.
When to see an orthopedic doctor
Go to the ER or call 911 if a bone looks out of place, there is an open wound over a bone, a limb is numb or turns pale or blue, or you cannot move a joint at all. See an orthopedic doctor if an ankle or knee swells and will not bear weight, a knee feels like it gives out, a finger looks crooked, or pain lasts longer than a week. Able Orthopedic & Sports Medicine in Forest Hills offers in-office X-ray and a full sports medicine team for players of all ages. Call (718) 897-2228 or book an appointment.
Common questions
How long does an ankle sprain take to heal?
Mild sprains often feel better within a couple of weeks, while more serious ones take longer. Rehab matters, since a weak ankle is more likely to roll again.
Is jumper's knee serious?
It is usually not dangerous, but it can linger if you keep jumping on it. Early rest, strengthening and better landing form help.
Should I tape a jammed finger myself?
Buddy taping to the next finger can give support for a mild jam. If the finger is crooked, numb or very swollen, get it examined.
Can I prevent an ACL tear?
You cannot remove the risk, but strength training, balance work and good landing mechanics can help lower it.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for a visit with a doctor. If you think you have a medical emergency, call 911.