As winter approaches the median height of our patients also increases. This obviously signals basketball season, and a whole crop of unique injuries. Typically there are two categories of injuries Dr. Miller sees. The first is the "overuse" injuries, such as jumper's knee. Another name for "jumper's knee" is patellar tendonitis. It is a overuse conditions that affects all ages of basketball players. The symptoms of jumper's knee is pain in the front of the knee usually below the kneecap. The causes of this condition is repetitive jumping and running. Treatment usually involves some modified rest, anti-inflammatory medication (Advil, Aleve), a "jumper's knee" strap, and physical therapy. With proper treatment this condition is usually temporary and should not keep you off the court very long.
The second group of injuries are the traumatic or acute injuries. Most common is the ankle sprain. Dr. Miller is very aggressive about treating this injury. He will usually put you in a boot for a short course to allow the ligaments to heal, then initiate physical therapy to work on strength, balance and most importantly confidence in the ankle.
In our female athletes ACL injuries, especially non-contact ACL injuries are common. We hear the story that "I just planted and twisted and my knee buckled". To help prevent these type of injuries our female basketball players should incorportate a balance, coordination, and plyometric exercises into their warm-up, and practice schedule. Here is a good link of such a program http://www.aclprevent.com/pepprogram.htm.
Initial treatment for most injuries include rest, ice for the first 48-72 hours, compression with an ACE wrap and elevation.