Common basketball injuries

As the men’s NCAA basketball tournament progresses, we find ourselves on the edge of our seats, hoping for upsets and praying for good competition. It’s no surprise that basketball is one of the most popular sports in the nation, but with the dramatic finishes and amazing comebacks come injury and defeat. It’s just a part of the game.

The R.I.C.E. Method

Whether you’re a professional athlete, a marathon runner, or simply someone who enjoys casually playing sports with friends, injury is bound to occur. Often, an athlete’s natural reaction to injury is to “rub some dirt on it”, walk it off and get back in the game. Unfortunately, that instinct to keep going is really not in your best interest. In fact, it can take you out of the game quicker in the long run, if a proper remedy is not utilized.

Injuries Every Tennis Player Should Know

Tennis balls aren’t the only things that take a pounding on the court. Whether you are a casual weekend player or a serious match competitor, your joints take a pounding, too. Tennis requires almost constant twisting, turning, lunging, quick starts and sudden stops – and that’s during just one game. Imagine the stress and strain joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles undergo during an entire match.

Common Softball Injuries

Although it’s not a contact sport like football or hockey, softball can still take a toll on the body for all who play. Like all sports ailments, there are two types of injuries one can sustain by playing softball: overuse injuries, which occur over time due to stress on the muscles, joints, and soft tissues without proper time for healing; and acute or traumatic injuries, which occur due to sudden force or impact, and can be quite dramatic.

Ask the Doctor: Dr. Megan Wood

Orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Megan Wood specializes in the hand, wrist and elbow. Below she outlines the most common injuries to those areas and how to treat nagging problems. This represents a general approach toward patient care and is in no way intended to be used as a definitive treatment plan or for self-diagnosis.