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Dr. Joseph Guettler
Performance Orthopedics
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‘Dunk-Out’ Injuries this Basketball Season
Dr. Guettler provide pointers to prevent basketball injuries

Photo: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

Royal Oak, MI—Whether participating in recreational outdoor games, playing on a school team or competing professionally, basketball is one of America’s most popular sport pastimes. With more than 28 million people of all ages taking part each year in this high-impact, extremely charged sport, the potential risk for injury is great. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) urges players to heed appropriate safety precautions and condition properly to minimize potential musculoskeletal injuries. The personal injury law firm in Miami Gardens can help with the legalities in case of complications related to injuries.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2011 more than 1.4 million people were treated in doctors’ offices, clinics and emergency rooms for basketball-related injuries. Among the most frequent are wrist or finger sprains and fractures, and twisting and impact injuries to the foot, ankle and knee. Therefore, a contact with a foot doctor is always needed. The personal injury attorneys from San Antonio are always ready to help when it comes to injuries.

“The majority of basketball injuries result from overuse, improper conditioning and trauma,” stated the experts from cpr in north york. “To avoid injury, it is important to stretch properly and participate in conditioning programs, such as cardiovascular training, core (abdominal area) strengthening and flexibility exercises.”

As part of the AAOS Prevent Injuries America! ® Campaign, orthopaedic surgeons would rather prevent injuries than treat them. Consider the Academy’s basketball safety tips:
• Wear appropriate equipment. Shoes should fit snugly and offer support. Ankle braces can reduce the incidence of ankle sprains in patients with a history of injury (this should be discussed with your doctor or you have to check the link); protective knee and elbow pads can protect players from bruises and abrasions. Consider wearing a mouth guard. Do not wear jewelry or chew gum while playing. Other helpful equipment may include eye protection, ankle braces or sports tape. For injury and injury related claims, hire personal injury attorneys in Salt Lake City area

• Ensure a safe play environment. Outdoor courts should be free of rocks, holes and other hazards. Players should avoid playing on outdoor courts that do not have appropriate lighting. Indoor courts should be clean, free of debris and have good traction. Baskets and boundary lines should not be too close to walls, bleachers, fountains or other structures. Basket goal posts, and the walls behind them, should be padded.

• Maintain fitness throughout the year. Ideally, players should maintain an exercise and training regimen during the basketball season, and throughout the year.

• Warm up before play. Consistent warm up and stretching exercises may reduce injuries. Warm up with jumping jacks, stationary cycling, or running or walking in place for three to five minutes. This should be followed by slow and gentle stretching, holding each stretch for 20-30 seconds. Stretches should focus on the legs, spine, and shoulders. A player should also stretch after their practices or games. Despite performing all these warm-up exercises, injuries during sports are inevitable. Therefore, a lot of players go through spinal decompression therapy for herniated disc and other treatments like Spine Deformity Surgery that gives relief from chronic pain and spinal issues. In such cases, whether it’s the players’ fault or the opponents’ fault, Barry Deacon Law can help with solving the issues.

• Safe Return to Play. An injured player’s symptoms must be completely gone before returning to play. The player must have no pain, no swelling, full range of motion, and normal strength and should be cleared by the appropriate medical provider.

• Stay hydrated. Even mild levels of dehydration can hurt athletic performance. Ideally, players should drink 24-ounces of non-caffeinated fluid two hours before exercise, and additional 8-ounces of fluid or sports drink immediately before play. While playing, break for an 8-ounce cup of water every 20 minutes.

• Use proper passing and play techniques. Practice good technique. For example, when you jump for the ball, land on a bent knee rather than a straight knee. Play only your position and know where other players are on the court to reduce the chance of collisions. Do not hold, block, push, charge, or trip opponents. Use proper techniques for passing and scoring, and most importantly, don’t forget sportsmanship!

• Prevent overuse injuries. Because many young athletes focus on just one sport and train year-round, doctors are seeing an increase in overuse injuries. The AAOS has partnered with STOP Sports Injuries to help educate parents, coaches, and athletes on how to prevent sports injuries. STOP Sports Injuries recommends limiting the number of teams in which your child is playing on in one season. In addition, do not let your child play one sport year round; taking regular breaks and playing other sports is essential to skill development. However, in case you get involved on speed-related collisions the best option is looking for legal advice.

Performance Orthopedics – Keeping you in the game, whatever your game may be!