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Sports Medicine
Basketball Injuries On Rise
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons is urging basketball players to play it safe during playoffs. The onset of basketball finals often means celebrations, including weekend warriors organizing teams of their own, doctors say.
While most may view basketball as a harmless activity, injuries are common: more than 1.8 million each year, they say. Such injuries cost the United States more than $24 billion in medical, legal, work loss and pain and suffering expenses, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
"Basketball provides an excellent opportunity to develop musculoskeletal coordination and cardiovascular fitness," said Dr. Letha Griffin, an Atlanta orthopedic surgeon.
"However, there is a moderate potential for traumatic impact to the body, including sprains and jamming injuries to the fingers, twisting and impact injuries to the foot and ankle, as well as to the knee ligaments and cartilage. Overuse injuries in basketball commonly involve stress fractures of the leg and foot and inflammatory conditions, such as tendinitis of the knee. Proper footwear and appropriate playing surfaces are essential to minimize risk," he said.
Copyright 2003 by United Press International.
All rights reserved.
- Updated: December 24, 2003
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© 2001-2003 Healthy Practices, Inc. All rights reserved.
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