My name is Ryan Shephard, and I’ve studied sports training and rehab. I’ve applied some of my knowledge in local leagues, helping kids recover from injuries. I believe that one of the things that speeds recovery is knowledge. If athletes know their injuries, they know what and what not to do.

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On that note, here are some common basketball injuries and how they can be immediately treated.


Sprain (foot or ankle)

In basketball, foot or ankle sprains are quite common. The trick is to determine the degree and pain prevention via support. First off, having players were ankle support (or tape) is a great way of keeping the ankle stable. Combine this with good basketball sneakers (ones that provide good ankle support) and you’ll be safe. If a sprain occurs, ice it quickly. Allow it to rest for a few days with compression and elevation to make sure it heals well. If it doesn’t, you should go see a doctor.

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Finger jam

Next to foot or ankle sprains, I noticed finger jamming is the most common basketball injury. This can be anywhere from annoying to excruciating. It happens when a ball is passed to you and hits your fingertips head on, causing either a sprain or dislocation in your finger (or fingers). You can ice it right away to lessen the swelling, after which your fingers should be taped to avoid it from being bent at the joints (which can be tearjerkingly painful).


Hey there. My name is Ryan Shephard, and I’m a student at the University of Michigan. Since I was young, I’ve always wanted to work in the sports industry, particularly in the fields of athletic training and sports rehab. For more of my writings, click this link.