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Final Four Frenzy Making You Freak Out? Understanding These Common Basketball Injuries Gives You Peace Of Mind

1 April 2015

Edward Payne

March Madness is almost over, but your favorite team may be playing in the upcoming NCAA tournament. Although exciting to watch, many of your favorite basketball players may injure themselves for the love of the game. Between 1998 and 2004 alone, there were an estimated 12,500 injuries among college athletes. Unfortunately, many players may suffer with back spasms, ankle sprains, and knee injuries during the Final Four games.

While some injuries may require surgery, rest, and physical therapy, other injuries may only require light therapy and natural pain relief. Using this guide, you will understand common basketball injuries and learn how your favorite player will recover for Final Four and future NCAA tournaments.

Back Spasms

Back pain is a common issue affecting many basketball players due to the constant twisting, turning, jumping, and running. After consulting with their coach and team physician, players will most likely undergo a series of tests to determine the cause of the pain. In most cases, the spams occur from straining or bruising of their back during practice or competitive play. While difficult to avoid, treating the pain is possible using the following methods:

• Hydrotherapy – Various forms of hydrotherapy will soothe the inflammation of the player's back. Warm compresses, ice packs, and resting in a Jacuzzi spa are effective options for back pain relief.
• Chiropractic Care – Many basketball players have a chiropractor on staff to aid players suffering with back pain. Using spinal manipulation, chiropractors use a gentle force to realign the neck, shoulders, and back for pain relief.

Ankle Sprains

Considering 25,000 people sprain their ankle every day, your favorite basketball player has most likely suffered with this common injury. Pivoting, running, and other movement involved in the game of basketball place a great deal abuse on a player's foot and ankle. This abuse can cause the ligaments around the ankle to stretch and tear, resulting in a painful ankle sprain that requires the following R.I.C.E therapy:

• Rest – Players will need to adequate rest, even if they are in the middle of a tournament. It is best to limit walking and avoid placing weight on the leg with the sprained ankle.
• Ice – Using an ice pack will reduce swelling on the ankle. For best results and pain relief, players will hold an ice pack on the sprained ankle for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Compression – Wrapping the ankle with an elastic bandage will reduce swelling and prevent future inflammation.
• Elevation – Players should also elevate their sprained ankle to reduce swelling.

R.I.C.E therapy is best for minor sprains. However, if your player is dealing with swelling after a few days, they may require further treatment and therapy. While this will prevent them from finishing out the season, more involved treatment is imperative for proper recovery.

Knee Injuries

During practice, regular games, and tournament play, many NCCA basketball players also injure one or both knees. This may be due to the repetitive motions, constant twists and turns, and fast stomping down the basketball court.

These motions can easily tear the cartilage of the knee, resulting in pain and intensive physical therapy. The torn knee certified will probably end your favorite player's season, but treatment is available to ensure they are back on the court next year.

Surgical procedures may be necessary to repair the torn cartilage, but recovery will include physical therapy with podiatric sports medicine specialists to stabilize the knee joint. In addition, chiropractors can design a series of exercises for the player. These exercises will not only strengthen the ligament, but also aid in pain relief.

Understanding the possible injuries of basketball players will give you peace of mind when watching your favorite player on the court. With the NCAA's final basketball games just days away, you can cheer on your favorite team with ease.

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