Basketball Trainer

Connect With Trainers, Camps, Select Teams, and Knowledge

  • Find Trainers
  • Camps
  • Teams
  • Online Trainer
    • Drill of The Month
    • ONLINE BASKETBALL TRAINER
  • Training Aids
  • Business Owners
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Find Trainers
  • Camps
  • Teams
  • Online Trainer
    • Drill of The Month
    • ONLINE BASKETBALL TRAINER
  • Training Aids
  • Business Owners
  • Blog
  • Contact

Basketball Injuries: 12 Most Common and What to Ask Your Doctor

January 21, 2020 By basketballtrainer

Basketball Injuries And Questions To Ask Your DoctorBasketball injuries are something you have experienced if you have played basketball long enough. The contact nature and ballistic movements of the game lend themselves to an array of potential setbacks. Proper rest, a healthy diet, efficient pre-practice and pre-game warm-up, and strength training, stretching and prehab exercises will go a long way in helping you stay on the court and out of the doctor’s office and trainer’s room.

Unfortunately, injuries may occur no matter what precautions you take to prevent them. Colliding with another player, landing on another players foot as you return to the floor from a jump, and striking the floor awkwardly while diving for a loose ball are just a few ways that can lead to time in the doctor’s office. This can be extremely frustrating when you have taken all other action necessary to prevent injuries from occurring in the first place.

Being proactive with the knowledge of your injury, treatment protocol, and recovery process will equip you with the tools necessary to limit the amount of time you are sidelined. Consider some of the following statistics found in a study by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association on high school basketball players and their prevalence:

The most common type of injuries were sprains at 43% of all injuries

General trauma checked-in as the second most common type of injury sustained at 22% of all injuries

9% of the injuries were of the knee

Ankle and foot injuries made up 42% of all injuries

59% of injuries that occurred in-game, happened in the 2nd half when players were tired

Practice produced 60% of the injuries where players probably were not properly warmed-up

A basic understanding of the injuries that most commonly affect basketball players can help you avoid them altogether and provide you with a “second opinion” of treatment modalities. It is never prudent to self-assess or limit your learning to only one source. Always schedule an appointment with your physician to receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Most non-surgical treatment plans will include applying the RICE method and taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). So, if you have sustained an injury on the court, there is a good chance it is one of the following most common basketball-related injuries:

Torn ACL

– The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in your knee is responsible for limiting joint mobility. A tear in this ligament can be quite debilitating and can cost you the remainder of your season (up to nine months recovery time). Surgery and an intensive post-op rehab program will be required in order for you to return to your previous level of competition. It was once believed that ACL tears typically occurred during a maximum load. Recent research however, suggests that the ACL is gradually weakened by micro-trauma created during sub-maximal loading. Over time, this accumulation of damage may result in an ACL tear from a sub-maximal load.

Sprained/Torn MCL

– The medial collateral ligament helps stabilize the knee. An injury to the MCL occurs when valgus force (knees angled inward) is too great. Depending upon the severity of the injury, most MCL injuries with a rehab program – consisting of reducing inflammation, strengthening, range of motion, and balance exercises – have a healing time of 6 weeks to 4 months. Only the most severe MCL injuries will require surgery.

Concussions

– A concussion is an injury to the brain. This occurs when the brain is shaken inside of the skull due to a forceful blow to the head area. In basketball, a concussion can occur when your head collides with another player or by hitting the floor. Medical personnel should be notified immediately if a concussion is suspected.

Symptoms include headaches, confusion, dizziness, nausea, sensitivity to light, and difficulty concentrating. Headaches can also be exacerbated when concentrating. Treatment usually involves resting both your body and brain. Return to action is on an individual basis and should begin slowly and with a physician’s approval.

Broken Nose

– Fractures of the nose are the most commonly injured area of the face. They can occur by colliding with another player, an elbow to the face, or a basketball that hits you square in the face. Without proper care, a nose fracture can lead to permanent disfigurement of the nose and possible breathing problems.

Depending upon the severity of the blow to the head, make sure that no other injury to the head region has occurred, such as a concussion or neck injury. If it is clear that your nose is broken, go to an emergency room to be evaluated. A specialist may be necessary to reset the nose so that the bones don’t set permanently in a “broken” position. Usually, this needs to be done in a few days to a week and a half so that you do not risk any permanent defects.

Facial Cuts

– Facial wounds will most likely cause you to leave a practice or game to seek treatment. The severity of the injury will dictate whether or not you need to seek professional treatment. If the facial cut is deep, more than likely you will need medicaltreatment. Also, if the cut is so wide that the edges cannot be squeezed together, stitches will be needed in order for it to heal properly.

Keeping the wound clean throughout the healing process will reduce the chance of infection. If your wound does not require stitches, apply basic wound care as your treatment. Although your attention may be placed on your bleeding facial injury, do not sleep on a potential head (concussion) and/or neck injury as well. The following types of injuries to your face are the most common:

A bloody nose

– Similar to a broken nose but not as severe. A collision with another player, a basketball hitting you square in the face, or a flailing elbow by another player are common causes of a bloody nose.

A cut to the eye area

– An injury to the eye area is usually caused by a collision with another player or elbow to the face.

A bloody lip

– An injury to the lip area can be pretty messy if teeth and/or braces are involved. Tissue damage can become extensive if both inside and outside of the mouth are damaged.

An abrasion to the face

– Sliding across the floor on your face can remove a layer or two of skin, but seldom requires medical attention.

Jammed Fingers

– Fingers get jammed when ligaments in the joints of your fingers are strained or stretch too far. This can occur when a finger absorbs excessive force from an incoming basketball or accidentally “hitting” another player.

Because a jammed finger is not broken, the injury is seldom serious. Taping your finger to a non-affected neighbor finger or wearing a splint on your injured finger will help stabilize and immobilize it until the ligaments heal. A cloth-covered bag of ice may be used to help reduce swelling and inflammation. Ice you finger for 15 minutes at a time.

Knee Sprain

– A knee sprain occurs when there is an injury to one of the four ligaments of the knee. A knee sprain can lead to knee instability. Depending upon the severity of the injury, recovery time can be a couple of weeks to a full year. Symptoms of a knee sprain may include swelling, pain/ache, instability, stiffness, reduction of range of motion, and inflammation (knee warmth).

Like most injuries that do not require surgery, treatments such as rest, ice, elevation, and physical therapy. A visit to the doctor’s office is recommended to make sure you are properly treating your injury. If the injury is severe enough, surgery may be recommended especially if physical therapy doesn’t work. If surgery is not recommended by your physician, you may be prescribed an anti-inflammatory medication. Plan on a couple of weeks to several months for recovery time.

Strained Leg Muscles (Groin, Hamstring, Calf)

– A strained muscle in the leg is a result of a tear or stretch in muscle fibers. This typically occurs when a muscle is overstretched. Muscle soreness, swelling, weakness, discoloration, painful walking, and visibly changed muscle shape are all symptoms of a strained leg muscle.

The degree of injury to the muscle fibers determines the severity of the situation. A Grade of I, II, and III are used to differentiate the extent of fiber damage, with a grade of I the least severe and III being the most. Your physician will assess the level of severity and put you on a treatment protocol.

The recovery of Grade I and Grade II injuries typically lasts a couple of months and a Grade III requires surgery and post-op rehab. Applying the RICE method to a Grade I or II injury is typically prescribed: Rest, Ice, Compress, and Elevate.

Ankle Strain/Sprain

– Strains are injuries to muscles or tendons and sprains are injuries to ligaments. These injuries are a result of an overstretching or tearing of the tissue. Stopping and starting, lateral movements, and jumping make ankle strains and sprains quite common in the game of basketball.

The severity of your injury will dictate the mode of treatment. Using the RICE method for the first 48 hours will help alleviate some of your symptoms especially for mild strains and sprains. Surgery may be required if any of your tendons or ligaments are torn. Mild to moderate injuries will take a couple of days to a couple of weeks to heal. You may want to have your doctor evaluate your injury if your symptoms persist for longer than a couple of weeks. To help prevent ankle injuries, make sure you warm-up and stretch prior to every practice and game.

Patellar Tendonitis (Acute) or Patellar Tendinosis (Chronic)

– The patella tendon helps hold the kneecap in place. An overuse injury to this tendon (above and below the tendon) is so common to basketball players that it is also known as jumper’s knee. Pain occurs below the knee and can last several months to a year.

Patellar tendonitis and tendinosis is best treated with the RICE method and physical therapy. Light stretching and eccentric quadricep contractions may also be recommended by your doctor and/or physical therapist. Rest is the most important form of treatment but also the most unpopular due to most people’s desire to get back on the court. To fully recover it may take several months of treatment and rest.

Achilles Tendonitis, Tendinosis, or Rupture

– The Achilles tendon attaches your calf muscles to your heel bones. An injury to this tendon is common, especially when playing basketball. They often occur when exploding off the floor to sprint down the court, jumping for a rebound, or moving laterally when playing defense.

The three types of injury to a tendon are:

Tendonitis

– An inflammation of the tendon; usually caused by repetitive motion.

Tendinosis

– A chronic tendonitis condition characterized by small tears in the tendon.

Rupture

– A complete or partial separation of the tendon from the heel bone or that same degree of separation somewhere in the middle of the tendon.

Pain is an obvious symptom that can range from mild to severe based on the degree of damage. When a tear of the tendon occurs, you may hear a pop followed by bruising, swelling, and stiffness.

Surgery, followed by physical therapy, will be necessary in order to return to your previous level of basketball activity. Minor injuries may take several weeks to months to heal based on their severity. In addition to applying the RICE method and taking an anti-inflammatory medication (if recommended by your doctor), light stretching and strengthening exercises can be of some benefit to getting you back on the court sooner rather than later.

Osgood-Schlatter Disease

– Osgood-Schlatter disease is inflammation right below the kneecap on the patellar ligament. It typically effects boys and girls during puberty ages 10 to 15 while bones are still growing. Running and jumping activities pose the greatest risk to developing Osgood-Schlatter disease because of the forceful contractions placed on the quadriceps (front of the upper thigh).

Resting, icing, and stretching the quadricep muscles until the ligament is no longer inflamed is the prescribed treatment. Anti-inflammatory medications may be necessary if the previous treatments listed above are ineffective. Osgood-Schlatter disease will typically continue until your bones finish growing – this could last months to years.

Most basketball-related injuries are unavoidable. However, by taking preventable measures – strength training program, prehab, balance and agility exercises, anti-inflammatory diet, etc. – you can reduce the severity and time spent recovering from them.  Start today by building a balanced muscular body with our Basketball Strength Training Program: 

Basketball Bodyweight Strength Training Program

Questions To Ask Your Doctor After Basketball Injuries

Most people do not ask enough “right” questions when they meet with their doctor. Inevitably, you will find yourself not knowing what to do when certain situations with your injury arise. Knowing what questions to ask your doctor is essential to handling your treatment effectively. It also puts you and your doctor on the same page and demonstrates that you will be diligent and compliant with your prescribed treatment. Make sure you ask the following questions.

What is my injury?

What are my different treatment options?

What outcome should I expect?

When will I be able to play basketball at 100% again?

How long can I expect the pain and/or swelling to persist?

Ice or heat? How long for each?

Is there anything I can do on my own to improve my condition?

Do I need an MRI? X-Ray?

How soon will I get the results of the MRI?

Will someone call me with the results or do I need to call your office?

What is my treatment plan? Surgery? Physical Therapy?

If I am prescribed physical therapy, what level of pain should I allow myself to experience when performing the physical therapy exercises?

Will I be taking any medications?

If prescribed medication(s), are there any foods or other medications I shouldn’t take while taking this new medication?

Can I drive a car while on this medication?

What are the side-effects of my prescribed treatment (medications, physical therapy, etc.)?

If my injury does not require surgery, how long will it take to heal?

Will my injury continue to give me problems or will it totally heal?

What are the possible setbacks?

What questions have I not asked you (doctor) that I should have?

Learning about your basketall injury is not limited to these questions. Knowledge is power so, the more information you have, the better off you will be. Follow instructions, be compliant, and gather as much information as possible for a fast and effective recovery.

Disclaimer: The purpose of this article is to assist basketball players in asking their doctors the correct questions regarding their injuries so that they can return to action as safely and soon as possible. It is not intended to diagnose, prescribe, or treat an injury. Consult with your licensed physician or healthcare professional for his or her professional advice before beginning any treatment protocol.

Rusty Gregory - Austin Personal TrainerRusty Gregory, MS, CSCS is the coauthor of Living Wheat-Free for Dummies (Wiley Publishing). He received his B.S. (Commercial and Industrial Fitness, Minor in Health Education) in 1989 from Texas Tech University and his M.S. (Kinesiology) in 1991 from the University of Michigan. In 1991, he began his personal training business in Austin, Texas, and became a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). In 1995, he opened Forte Personal Fitness, a private personal fitness studio where he trains athletes from a multitude of sports and people of all ages, health backgrounds, and physical limitations.

Related posts:

Basketball Defensive Quotes165 Incredible Basketball Defense Quotes (Inspiring) Questions Parents Ask Basketball TrainersQuestions Basketball Parents Should Ask Trainers Film for College Basketball RecruitmentFilm Your Way To College Basketball Recruitment Success Healthiest Salad Dressing for Basketball PlayersHealthiest Salad Dressings for Basketball Players

Filed Under: blog

Welcome to Basketball Trainer -

your connection to expert & passionate basketball trainers in both your city and online. We are committed to your basketball success.

Basketball Trainer Swag and Tshirts
find basketball camps

Basketball Camps

🏀 Basketball camps are a slam dunk for players of all skill levels! Whether you're a rookie or a pro, these educational programs provide training, guidance, and practical experience in the sport. 🎓 The duration of camps can vary from day-long to week-long overnight programs, tailored to suit different age groups and skill levels. Enrolling in a basketball camp is a smart move … Click Here To Learn More...

Intrinsic and Extrinsic motivation in basketball

Extrinsic and Intrinsic Motivation in Basketball: Their Roles in Success and Happiness

A note to our valued team: Gang, Obviously we are facing some effort and motivation challenges this weekend.  This is inevitable during the course of a long select basketball season and I have had several teams deal with this specifically on Memorial Day Weekend.    On the other hand, we didn’t see our opponents struggle with […]

Private vs. Small Group Basketball Training: Which Helps Most in Development?

When it comes to honing your basketball skills, there are various training options available, but the two primary ones compared are private vs small group basketball training . Private basketball training and small group personalized basketball training are two popular choices that cater to different preferences and goals. As an Austin Basketball Trainer for over […]

Augmented Reality Basketball Training

Augmented Reality Basketball Training Tools to Level Up

Introduction: Revolutionizing The Game With Augmented Reality Basketball Training Augmented Reality Basketball Training is here and it will only gain velocity in the future.  Augmented Reality (AR) is redefining basketball training, offering innovative solutions that merge digital advancements with traditional training techniques. By incorporating AR into their training regimes, players and coaches can unlock a […]

How to Create Basketball highlight video reel

Create Your Basketball Highlight Video Reel for Recruitment

Highlight Reel Worksheet: Showcasing Your Skills to College Coaches Step 1: Set Your Goals Objective: Define the purpose of your highlight reel. Is it for recruitment, showcasing skills, or both? Target Audience: Identify the specific college coaches or programs you want to impress. Step 2: Gather Your Footage Game Footage: List the games or events […]

Basketball Peer Parenting - How To Get Along With Other Parents

Basketball Peer Parenting: How To Get Along With Team Parents

Introduction to Basketball Peer Parenting: How to Get Along With Team Parents – A Comprehensive Guide Basketball, often seen just as a sport, is in reality a vibrant tapestry of growth, teamwork, and community. It’s a world where each bounce of the ball echoes lessons beyond the court and where every game is more than […]

Questions parents to ask basketball players

Top Questions for Parents to Ask Basketball Players

Introduction: Ever notice how great teachers ask us all the right questions… and if so what are the top questions for parents to ask basketball players?  In the vibrant tapestry of a child’s journey through basketball, the role of a parent is not just that of a spectator but a trusted companion and guide. Imagine […]

Basketball Post-Game Reflection Worksheet

Basketball Post-Game Reflection Worksheet: Unlock Success Now!

  Our Basketball Post-Game Reflection Worksheet will show you the journey to success is not merely about the countless hours of practice or the relentless pursuit of victory. It is a journey filled with self-discovery, growth, and the constant quest for improvement. This is where the art of post-game reflection in basketball comes into play, […]

Mental Mastery Checklist for Basketball Training Sessions

Mental Mastery Checklist for Basketball Training Sessions

Alright, before we hit the court and our basketball training session, it’s time to get your head in the game with our Mental Mastery Checklist for Basketball Training Sessions.  This checklist will help you dial into the right mindset and set the stage for a killer session. Spend a few minutes to complete it.  Aim […]

Parenting Role In Basketball Player Development

Parenting Role In Basketball Player Development: Tips and Guide

The Parenting Role in Basketball Player Development is a difficult relationship between an emerging basketball talent and their parents with an intricate dance of trust, encouragement, and guidance. Across countless courts worldwide, whether they be in bustling cities or quiet rural towns, it’s evident that the foundational years of a basketball enthusiast heavily depend on […]

Basketball Visualization Tips and Theories

Basketball Visualization Tips and Theories To Master The Court

1.1. The Power of Visualization in Sports Basketball Visualization Tips and Theories, often known as mental rehearsal or imagery, is a powerful tool used by athletes around the world to enhance performance. By mentally rehearsing a specific move or play, players can solidify their skills, refine strategies, and prepare for the unpredictable nature of live […]

How to Learn from Basketball Pros

How To Learn From Basketball Pros: Lessons from Elite Players

I. Introduction 🏀 A. “How To Learn From Basketball Pros: Lessons From Elite Players” reveals the Magic of Basketball 🪄 – Basketball is like magic on the court, where players perform incredible feats and make the impossible seem possible. – Think about players like Stephen Curry 🌟, known for his amazing shooting skills, making three-pointers […]

Mastering Focus and Concentration: The Key to Basketball Success

Mastering Focus and Concentration: The Key to Basketball Success

I. INTRODUCTION Importance of Focus in Basketball 🧐 Focus and concentration in basketball is the key to success and the secret sauce that sets champions apart. Whether you’re an aspiring high school player with dreams of college scholarships 📚 or a seasoned pro in the big leagues 🏀, the power of unwavering concentration can be […]

Basketball Analytics Quiz: Game Changer for Players

Basketball Analytics Quiz: Game Changer for Players

Welcome to a great test of basketball knowledge with our basketball analytics quiz. Are you ready to delve deep into the fascinating world of basketball analytics? Our Basketball Analytics Trivia Quiz is designed to challenge and enlighten, offering you a unique opportunity to explore the numbers behind the game. Basketball isn’t just about dribbles, dunks, […]

Evaluating Your Progress in Preseason Basketball

Evaluating Your Progress in Preseason Basketball

Welcome to the thrilling world of preseason basketball! As a passionate basketball enthusiast, you understand the emotional rollercoaster that comes with striving for excellence on the court. Preseason is the crucible where players transform, and dreams take shape. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the emotional journey of evaluating your progress in preseason basketball, equipping […]

Off-The-Court Basketball Training To Accelerate

Off-The-Court Basketball Training To Accelerate

Off-the-court basketball training is a transformative approach that has revolutionized how players prepare for the game. In this fast-paced and highly competitive sport, the significance of off-the-court training cannot be overstated. It encompasses a range of activities that focus on skill development, physical conditioning, mental preparation, and overall well-being outside the basketball court. Evidence: Consider […]

Basketball Speed Drills

Basketball Speed Drills: Essential To Accelerating Your Performance

Are your ready to unleash your inner speedster beast and dominate the court with these proven basketball speed drills? Great! Here is a overview list of some classic speed drills that can help improve your basketball skills: Line drills: These drills involve running back and forth across the court, usually using lines or cones as markers. Examples include shuttle runs, suicides, and figure … ...Click Link To Read More

How To Get On An AAU Basketball Team

How To Get On An AAU Basketball Team or Select Club

Are you a ambitious and hungry basketball player who wants to play for an AAU basketball team program?  Are you the parents of a player who wants more?  We got you... read on and soak this up! The BasketballTrainer.com Insider's Guide will tell you how to get on an AAU team and challenge yourself with the best players in your area and beyond so you can accelerate your learning curve and … Click Link To Read More

Basketball Parenting Tips

Basketball Parents: 17 Actions You Can Take For Players Right Now

Being a parent of a basketball player is no easy feat. Whether you are a basketball mom or dad, it is important that you are there to support your son or daughter in the best way possible. This article will help guide basketball parents on how they can be the perfect supporter of their child right now. From understanding the fundamentals of the game to creating an atmosphere conducive to success, … Click here to read more...

Basketball Tryout Tips To Make the team

Basketball Tryout Tips To Make The Team (Guide)

Our Basketball Tryouts Tips Guide can help you overcome the often nerve-wracking nature of tryout day.  Remember we are rarely nervous about activities that we don't love. Channel your nerves as excitement not as anxiety. You want to make sure you're doing everything you can to make the team. Here are a few tips to help you put your best foot forward at your next basketball tryout. Basketball

Basketball Analytics & Calculators Players Should Know

True Shooting Percentage (TS%) Calculator







Your True Shooting Percentage (TS%) is:

Assist-to-Turnover Ratio (ATR) Calculator




Your Assist-to-Turnover Ratio (ATR) is:

Usage Rate (USG%) Calculator








Your Usage Rate (USG%) is:

ted').value); const usg = 100 * ((fga + (0.44 * fta) + turnovers) * (1.0 / (fga + (0.44 * fta) + turnovers + (0.44 * fta)))); document.getElementById('usg-result').textContent = usg.toFixed(2) + '%'; }
AUSTIN BASKETBALL CAMP

AUSTIN BASKETBALL CAMP

WELCOME TO BASKETBALL TRAINER…

your connection to expert & passionate basketball trainers, basketball teams, basketball camps and all basketball products and apps designed to improve your game.  We are committed to your basketball success.

Meet our team and learn more about our mission.  Click here…

Featured Course

basketball course of the week

There are many basketball courses for all skills, ages, budgets and goals.   We help you sift thru all the garbage to find the goals for each of … Learn more...

Featured Drill

 We Hope You Enjoyed The Basketball Trainer Drill of The Month Special Thanks To Friend USC Coach Chris Capko for his excellent teaching and my … Learn more...

Featured Product / App

The BasketballTrainer.com team is comprised of former college &  pro players and coaches focused on the needs of American youth basketball … Learn more...

Have A Basketball Biz?

Our team gathers basketball training resources from basketball trainers and in some cases for basketball trainers and their students.  Stay tuned for … Learn More

AustinYouthBasketball.com
BasketballHQ.com
CoachTube.com
CoachingBasketball.com
BasketballCoach.org
BuzzworthyBasketballMarketing.com

© Copyright 2025 Basketball Trainer

Design by BuzzworthyBasketballMarketing.com

Privacy Policy