By: Elizabeth B. Portin, DO, FAAP &
Jayla Bostic, DO
Basketball and volleyball are two fun sports that can keep kids
physically active and help them develop teamwork skills. With frequent jumping and potential for falls or collisions, though, injuries are common in these games. These may range from acute (sudden) injuries
cuts and scrapes, sprains and fractures to
overuse injuries that can occur from repeating certain movements a lot without enough recovery time.
Learning about some of the most common basketball and volleyball injuries—and ways to prevent them—can help keep the focus on fun. Find more information below.
6 key safety tips for basketball & volleyball players
1. Start with a sports physical exam.
Athletes should have a
preparticipation physical evaluation (PPE) to make sure they are ready to safely begin the sport. The best time for a PPE is 6-weeks before the beginning of the preseason. This allows time to address anything that may come up during the PPE that would restrict sports participation. Athletes also should see their doctors for regular health
well-child checkups.
2. Get fit.
Athletes should maintain a good fitness level during the season and off-season. Preseason training should allow time for general conditioning and sport-specific conditioning. Proper warm-up, cool-down and stretching exercises are also important.
3. Focus on technique.
Athletes should work with coaches and athletic trainers to learn and practice proper techniques for performing the skills needed for their sport.
4. Use proper equipment.
Safety gear for the sport should fit properly and be well maintained. For example:
Shoes should be in good condition, appropriate for the playing surface and laces should be tied.
Knee pads have been shown to reduce knee abrasions and contusions (bruises).
Mouth guards prevent dental injuries. They should be properly fitted, and athletes should never use anyone else's mouth guard.
Protective eyewear should always be worn if an athlete has a history of an eye condition that could lead to blindness in one or both eyes, including poor vision that is unable to be corrected with prescription lenses. Athletes who do require prescription lenses should wear contacts, glasses or goggles. Glasses or goggles should be made with polycarbonate or a similar material. The material should conform to the standards of the American Society for Testing and Materials.
5. Keep a safe environment.
Playing areas should be kept clean and clear. Posts and poles should be padded.
6. Have an emergency plan.
Teams should develop a plan in the event of an emergency. The plan should include first aid and emergency contact information. All members of the team should receive a written copy each season. Parents also should be familiar with the plan and review it with their children. Everyone should know where the
automated external defibrillator (AED) is located during all practices and games.
What are some of the most common basketball & volleyball injuries?
When injuries happen, these are among the most common:
Ankle sprains
Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries in jumping sports. They often happen when a player lands from a jump onto another player's foot, causing the ankle to roll in (invert). Less commonly, the ankle may roll outward (evert). This can result in a sprain.
Ankle sprains are more likely to happen if a player had a previous sprain, especially a recent one. Ankle strengthening and
plyometric exercises during preseason training can help prevent ankle sprains. Wearing appropriate footwear while playing can also help prevent ankle sprains.
Treatment for an ankle sprain begins with
rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). Athletes should see a doctor as soon as possible if they cannot walk or put any weight on the injured ankle, or if they have severe pain. X-rays may be needed to look for a fracture. Weight-bearing exercises and exercises to regain range of motion, strength, and balance are key factors for returning to play.
Ankle braces or tape applied by a certified athletic trainer can provide extra support and prevent ankle injuries, especially in athletes with previous ankle sprains. However, they should only be used when recommended by a healthcare provider. Improper use of ankle supports could result in changed mechanics and additional injuries.
Hand & wrist injuries
Finger injuries may occur when the finger is struck by the ball or an another player's hand or body. The "jammed finger" is often overlooked because of the myth that nothing needs to be done, even if it is broken. Wrist injuries can happen when falling onto an outstretched hand. These types of injuries may lead to a sprain, strain, or a fracture.
Any injury that is associated with a dislocation, deformity, inability to straighten or bend the finger or wrist, or significant pain should be examined by a doctor. X-rays are often needed to look for a fracture. If fractures that involve a joint or tendon are not properly treated, permanent damage can occur.
"Buddy tape" for finger injuries may be all that is needed to return to sports; however, this cannot be assumed without an exam and x-ray. Swelling often persists for weeks to months after a finger injury. Ice, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and range of motion exercises are important for treatment.
Knee injuries
Knee injuries commonly occur from cutting, pivoting, landing from a jump, or contact with another athlete. If the athlete feels a pop or shift in the knee, then it may be a ligament injury or kneecap dislocation.
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are more common in females than males.
Treatment begins with RICE. Athletes should see a doctor as soon as possible if they cannot walk on the injured knee, the knee is swollen, a pop is felt at the time of injury, or the knee feels loose or like it will give way.
Playing with a torn ACL can lead to further joint damage. Athletes with an ACL injury are usually unable to return to their sport until after ACL repair, reconstruction and rehabilitation.
Patellar tendonitis (jumper's knee) is a common overuse injury seen from repetitive jumping and landing that causes pain in the front of the knee. Younger athletes may develop pain of the growth plate just below the knee cap called Osgood-Schlatter Disease (OSD) instead of patellar tendonitis. This is sometimes associated with a bump. Both patellar tendonitis and OSD are treated with ice, stretching, strengthening, NSAIDs, and relative rest. Straps that go over the patellar tendon can also help.
Shoulder injuries
Shoulder injuries in volleyball can occur from repetitive hitting (spiking) or serving. Shoulder injuries in basketball can occur from diving or rebounding.
Athletes usually feel the shoulder pop out of joint if it dislocates. Most of the time the shoulder goes back into the joint on its own; this is called a
subluxation. If the athlete requires help to get it back in, it is called a
dislocation.
All shoulder dislocations should receive an x-ray to make sure there is no associated fracture. Risk of dislocation recurrence is high for youth participating in these sports. Shoulder strengthening exercises, braces and, in some cases, surgery may be recommended to prevent recurrence.
Pain from repetitive use is common in volleyball, usually due to weak muscles of the shoulder blade and trunk. Often rehabilitation exercises and rest from excessive hitting or serving are needed.
Eye injuries
Eye injuries commonly occur in sports that involve balls but can also result from a finger or another object in the eye. Any injury that affects vision or is associated with swelling or blood inside the eye should be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible. . The AAP recommends that children involved in organized sports wear appropriate protective eyewear (see above).
Head injuries
Concussions can occur after an injury to the head or neck, in which there is forceful contact with the ground, equipment, or another athlete. A concussion is any injury to the brain that disrupts normal brain function temporarily.
Prematurely returning to play after a concussion can lead to another concussion or even death. A concussed player is not playing at their best, and playing with a concussion can lead to other musculoskeletal injuries that may take longer to recover from.
Other common injuries in basketball & volleyball
Spondylolysis (stress fracture of the spine) from repetitive back arching is common in volleyball. This can lead to acute lower back pain that may become chronic if not treated appropriately. Shin splints and stress fractures in the shins or feet are also common overuse injuries in jumping sports.
It is important for athletes to sit out if they are experiencing pain and to seek medical advice if the pain is not improving to prevent overuse injuries or stress fractures. Athletes should never take Ibuprofen or pain-relieving medication prior to playing their sport as it may mask pain.
Remember
Basketball and volleyball injuries can be prevented when fair play is encouraged, and the rules of the game are enforced, athletes use the appropriate equipment and safety guidelines are consistently followed.
More information
About Dr. Portin
 Elizabeth B. Portin, DO, FAAP, is board certified in Pediatrics and Primary Care Sports Medicine and a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness. She is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago where she sees both general pediatric and pediatric sports medicine patients.
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About Dr. Bostic
 Jayla Bostic, DO, graduated from Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in Harlem, New York. Dr. Bostic is currently completing her Internal Medicine and Pediatric Residency training at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago and is a resident member of the Illinois Chapter of the AAP. |