Injuries

We have been discussing some of the best techniques and strategies that you can do to get ready for the upcoming basketball season.  One thing we haven’t spoken about is injuries and the difficult process of returning to action from a mild or major injury. 

During a recent scrimmage for the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup, Indiana Pacers guard Paul George fractured his leg and will most likely be sidelined for the entire upcoming season.  Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls has worked hard, but has had a number of setbacks trying to return to his MVP level after injury.  Also, Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat is looking to rebound from an injury plagued season where he was on a maintenance program. 

Depending on the severity of the injury, it is important to figure out a strategy and a timeline for your rehabilitation and return to action.   

Let’s take a closer look at one of the most common basketball injuries, a sprained ankle.  There is a lot of technology out there with sneakers, but one thing no one has been able to solve is how to prevent a sprained ankle.  Undoubtedly, it will happen at some point during your basketball career as basketball is a game where athletes spend a lot of time up in the air and then landing in close proximity to one another. 

If you have played sports for a long time and have sprained an ankle in the past, you will be able to get a good feel of how bad the sprain is.  Always visit a doctor after spraining your ankle in order to get advice from a medical professional.    You also want to make sure you get an x-ray in order determine the severity of the sprain.  In basketball, most players will either get a high ankle sprain or a low ankle sprain.  Once you have sprained your ankle and the pain has subsided, reality is going to set in and you are most likely going to have to take it easy for a bit.

Here are some common suggestions for what to do after your sprain your ankle. 

Whenever you sprain your ankle, try and remember the acronym, R.I.C.E. 

Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. 

During some ankle sprains, an athlete might be able to get up and walk off the court.  However, if the injury is more severe, further movement and continuing to play could damage ligaments. 

Ice should be applied in 20-30 minute intervals for the first 2-4 hours of the injury.  Compressing the sprain with a bandage or wrap will help to reduce further swelling.  Keeping the ankle elevated will also help to reduce swelling and pain. 

It is almost impossible to prevent an ankle sprain, but there are a few things which can be done to prevent the severity of a sprain.  Wearing high top sneakers, wrapping ankles with sports tape, and wearing a brace are all techniques used to help to prevent the severity of an ankle sprain. 

If you are coming back from an injury, try and stay positive, and be ready to train hard when your time comes in order to get back to the level you were at before the injury.  Many basketball players who have sprained an ankle and have limited mobility, use the time to work on their jump shoot and free throw shooting.   Trying to find something positive out of a negative situation is a skill which you will suit you well in sports, and in life.