UR Medicine is a proud participant in the Stop Sports Injury Campaign. To help keep kids in the game for life, STOP (Sports Trauma and Overuse Prevention) targets the sports that have the highest rates of overuse and trauma injuries. The development of STOP (Sports Trauma and Overuse Prevention) Sports Injuries was initiated by the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM).
Download the Basketball Injury PDF
Ankle Sprains
Treatment for an ankle sprain involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). The need for X-rays and evaluation by a physician is determined on a caseby- case basis and depends on the severity and location of pain. Pain and swelling over the bone itself may need further evaluation. An injury to the ankle in a child who is still growing could represent a simple sprain or could be the result of an injury to the growth plates located around the ankle and should be evaluated by a physician.
Jammed Fingers
Jammed fingers occur when the ball contacts the end of the finger and causes significant swelling of a single joint. Application of ice and buddy taping the finger to the adjacent finger may provide some relief and allow the athlete to return to play. If pain and swelling persist, evaluation by a physician or athletic trainer is recommended and an x-ray of the finger may be needed.
Knee Injuries
Basketball requires extensive stop and go and cutting maneuvers which can put the ligaments and menisci of the knee at risk. Injury to the medial collateral ligament is most common following a blow to the outside of the knee and can be often be treated with ice, bracing and a gradual return to activity.
An injury to the anterior cruciate ligament is a more serious injury and can occur with an abrupt change in direction and landing for the jump. Although this ligament tear is most commonly a seasonending injury that requires corrective surgery, current techniques used to repair the ACL ligament generally allow the player to return to play the following season.
Deep Thigh Bruising
Treatment includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Commercially available girdles with thigh pads are now available for protection.
Facial Cuts
Depending on the depth of the injury, the cut may require stitches or a "butterfly" sterile tape. Ice may provide pain relief and decrease swelling. Players can return to play after all blood is removed and the wound is dressed.
Stress Fractures
Stress fractures can occur from a rapid increase in activity level or training or from overtraining. Stress fractures in basketball most commonly occur in the foot and lower leg (tibia). Once diagnosed, a period of immobilization and non-weight bearing is recommended. Return to play is permitted once the fracture has completely healed and the athlete is pain free.
Dr. James Naismith, Inventor of Basketball, history, Kansas Heritage Group
Miyasaka KC, DM Daniel, ML Stone. The incidence of knee ligament injuries in the general population. Am J Knee Surg. 4:43-48, 1991.
Griffin, Letha Y. MD, PhD. Prevention of Noncontact ACL Injuries, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
The following expert consultants contributed to the tip sheet:
Daniel E. Matthews, MD
Jo A. Hannafin, MD, PhD
Sports Tips provide general information only and are not a substitute for your own good judgement or consultation with a physician.