For Basketball

What is the most common ankle injury in basketball?

Lateral ankle sprains are the most common injury for Basketballers and occur when the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle are stretched or torn. These injuries are often a result of sudden movements, such as pivoting or changing direction, or landing improperly after a jump. Understanding the prevalence and mechanics of this common injury is crucial for healthcare professionals in developing effective prevention and rehabilitation strategies for basketball players.

Wearing an Ankle brace can be ones of these measures for prevention

Can wearing an ankle or ankle guard can make the difference for basketballers.

Wearing an ankle brace or ankle sleeve can make a significant difference for basketball players in terms of injury prevention and recovery. Lateral ankle sprains are the most common type of ankle injury in basketball, accounting for 80.2% of reported basketball-related injuries. Ankle braces have been found to be a successful preventive approach, reducing ankle injuries by 50-70%. Studies have shown that ankle braces, particularly semi-rigid braces, can effectively reduce ankle inversion angles and velocities, which are common causes of sprains. This means that wearing an ankle brace can provide support and stability to the ankle joint, reducing the risk of sprains during intense basketball movements such as jumping, cutting, and landing.

Can I still basketball with a sprained ankle?

Moreover, ankle braces can aid in the recovery process for basketball players who have already experienced an ankle sprain. While most sprains heal within 4-6 weeks, more severe sprains, such as high ankle sprains, may require 3-6+ months of rehabilitation. Wearing an ankle brace or ankle guard during this recovery period can provide additional support to the injured ankle, promoting proper healing and preventing re-injury. It is important for basketball players to consult with a medical professional to determine the appropriate type of ankle brace or guard based on the severity of their injury and their specific needs. By wearing ankle braces, basketball players can reduce the risk of ankle sprains, enhance their recovery process, and ultimately return to the court faster and with more confidence.

Best 5 Ankle Braces For Basketball Players:

In an article written by The Hoop Geek  in 2022 in lists the following

The features of the best ankle braces for Basketballers based on these models that are featured are 4 out of 5 are lace up with boot , figure 8 straps or both. And the one that is not any of these says it gives the least protection from sprains compared to the other 4 products

ASO Ankle Stabilizer

McDavid 195 Ankle Brace

McDavid 511 Ankle Sleeve

Mc David 199 Lightweight Ankle Sleeve

Zamst A2DX

The SGA (Support Guards Australia) Ankle Braces are also based on similar designing of the ASO & McDavid 195 figure 8 straps & boot and is now one of Australia’s most popular Ankle brace for Netball & Basketball & Volley ball  giving the best support to avoid ankle sprains when playing basketball and its great value for money