NBA Finals Fever - Don’t Let Injury Bench You

With the NBA Finals approaching in just a couple of weeks now, many people feel the rise of inspiration to hit the court themselves. Whether that be getting into the full swing of your rep league or reliving the gory days in a social league, basketball is a fantastic way to stay active, but it is important to be aware of the risk of injury.  

At the elite level, injuries can shape entire playoff series. Throughout these NBA playoffs alone, we’ve seen stars sidelined with ankle sprains, knee issues, calf strains, and hamstring injuries. Injuries are indiscriminate, and the demands of basketball are surprisingly similar at every level: sprinting, jumping, landing, twisting, and rapid changes of direction.

Here are some of the most common basketball injuries to watch out for, and what you can do to reduce your risk.

1. Ankle Sprains

If there’s one injury almost every basketballer experiences at some point, it’s an ankle sprain. Landing awkwardly on another player’s foot after a rebound or changing direction suddenly can easily roll the ankle inward.

Symptoms may include:

• Pain and swelling around the outside of the ankle  

• Difficulty walking or pushing off  

• Bruising and instability  

Many players try to “walk it off,” but poorly managed ankle sprains can lead to ongoing instability and repeated injuries.

Prevention tips:
Supportive footwear, ankle strengthening exercises, balance training, and proper warm-ups can all help reduce risk.

2. Knee Pain

Basketball places significant stress on the knees, particularly with jumping and landing. One of the most common issues we see is patellofemoral pain (“runner’s knee”), which often presents as pain around or behind the kneecap.

More serious injuries, such as ACL tears or meniscus injuries, can also occur during pivoting or awkward landings.

Common signs include:

• Pain with stairs, squatting, or jumping  

• Swelling or stiffness  

• Clicking, locking, or instability (“giving way”)

Strength deficits around the hips and glutes are often overlooked contributors to knee pain in basketballers.

3. Hamstring and Calf Strains

Explosive sprinting and sudden acceleration make muscle strains another common basketball injury. Hamstring and calf injuries are especially common when players return too quickly after time off or dramatically increase their playing load.

Typical symptoms include:

• Sudden tightness or sharp pain  

• Pain during sprinting or jumping  

• Tenderness and reduced strength  

Gradual conditioning and regular strength work are key to reducing strain risk.

4. Finger and Wrist Injuries

Basketballs move quickly, and jammed fingers are part of the sport. While many are minor, ligament injuries and fractures can occasionally occur.

If swelling, deformity, or difficulty gripping persists, it’s worth getting assessed rather than simply taping it up and hoping for the best.

5. Lower Back Tightness

Hours spent sitting at work followed by intense basketball activity can sometimes lead to stiff or irritated lower backs. Repetitive jumping, twisting, and contact can all contribute.

Maintaining mobility, trunk strength, and recovery between games can help keep your back feeling good throughout the season.

Staying Healthy on the Court

One of the biggest mistakes recreational athletes make is only playing basketball as their form of exercise. Basketball is demanding on the body, and strength training, mobility work, and adequate recovery all play an important role in injury prevention and performance.

It’s also important to listen to smaller “niggles” before they become bigger problems. Tight calves, sore knees, or recurring ankle rolls are often early warning signs that your body may need some attention.

And if pain or injury is stopping you from playing confidently, getting assessed early by our physiotherapy team, and can often speed up recovery and help prevent longer-term setbacks.