10 Most Common Injuries in the NBA

Sports medicine specialists in St. Peters, MO, want their professional and amateur game players to train smart and avoid injuries. Sadly, basketball remains a sport in which many participants sustain game day injuries. Let’s look at what the most common injuries in the NBA are and what orthopedic doctors in O’Fallon, MO, say about prevention.

Sports Medicine For All Athletes

Professional basketball is not the only injury-prone sport. People who are regularly physically active, go to aerobics classes, or work construction or health care jobs can also get orthopedic injuries, which a sports medicine doctor can address.

Specifically, sports medicine doctors can:

• Help get a person in shape for a sport or exercise activity
• Show people in heavy duty occupations how to protect their muscles, joints, and bones
• Diagnose and treat both acute injuries and chronic conditions, such as arthritis

Sports Health states that 62.4 percent of sports injuries involve the lower extremities with the lateral (on the side) ankle sprain being the most common by far. Contact between athletes, even in sports such as basketball, causes many injuries, and poor training and conditioning ( or lack of it), improper sports equipment, and other factors contribute to both acute and long-term injuries.

The Most Common Sports Injuries in the NBA

These injuries frequently occur among professional basketball players:

1. Ankle sprains
2. Achilles tendon tears/ruptures
3. Hamstring sprains
4. ACL/MCL tears
5. Contusions
6. Stress fractures in lower extremity
7. Hand/finger fractures
8. Concussions
9. Broken noses
10. Jumper’s knee

Experts say many of these injuries occur because players use their arms and bodies defensively during a game. Additionally, professional ball players are on the court for more minutes per game than their amateur and school-age counterparts, and NBA players are highly active for more years and at older ages, as well.

Prevention of Basketball Injuries

Sports medicine physicians and other providers spend a great deal of time keeping athletes from getting hurt. Why treat an acute injury or chronic condition if a doctor and player can strategize ways to stay healthy and active?

Practical ways to avoid basketball injuries also apply to other sports, such as track and field, tennis, soccer, and more. These strategies include the following:

Wearing the Right Footwear

For basketball, it’s the high top shoe which adds substantial support to the ankle. The shoe should be well-fitting and of good quality. Never wear overly worn out shoes, and kids’ shoes should be purchased to fit, not to grow into. Additionally, some orthopedic doctors and trainers recommend taping the foot or ankle for additional support.

Stretching Before and After a Game or Activity

Stretching exercises improve circulation and elasticity of muscles, tendons, and ligaments. They also decrease the chances of overextension during quick, sudden pivots and reaching maneuvers. Physical therapists at our three Missouri clinics tailor stretches to individual needs and training goals.

Strengthening and Conditioning

A sports medicine clinic offers ways for basketball players and others to strengthen their leg muscles and improve overall cardiovascular conditioning. Sturdy leg muscles avoid the strain basketball places on the ACL in the knee. Balance and coordination increase when the heart and lungs work efficiently.

The Finest in Sports Medicine in St. Charles Country

You may not be a professional athlete, but you can still benefit from the expertise at Advanced Bone and Joint. Our board-certified, fellowship-trained sports medicine physicians are Dr. Brandon Larkin and Dr. Matthew P. Melander. They both excel in the latest in sport diagnostics, therapies, surgeries, and nutrition.

Why not call us at (636) 229-4222 for your in-depth sports evaluation? We have locations in O’Fallon, St. Peters, and Wentzville, MO. Or, you may schedule your visit online through our website. We hope to see you soon!