Basketball Injuries

Yay! My kids are off the soccer field … but wait … now, they are on the court. While the gyms may be hot and smelly, I have to admit, I like the spectator accommodations better than those for soccer. At least I am dry, warm and don’t have to lug my own chair. Like all sports, I have a lot to learn … what exactly is a double dribble? What I do understand though, is the risk of injury. Here is a short list of the most common basketball injuries.

– ankle and knee
– hand and wrist
– lower back
– eye and mouth

Most often, the injuries are minor — sprains to ligaments, strains to muscles and minor contusions and bruises. While you are comfortably checking your email on the bleachers, I urge you to remember the always present risk of concussion, the damage that can be done from overuse injury and the fact that injuries may not always show up during a game. If your child has a minor complaint, try ice and some ibuprofen. If pain and swelling is severe or prolonged, keep them off the court and see a doctor.