Basketball Injuries Rise As Amateurs Hit The Court In March, But Doctor Says Preparation Is Key To Prevention

Basketball season is upon us with March Madness stirring excitement across the nation, but as more fans hit their local courts, injuries spike.

According to an analysis of Consumer Protection Safety Commission (CPSC) National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) data from 2012–2021 conducted by personal finance website ValuePenguin, Americans are more likely to injure themselves playing basketball than any other sport. During that period, more than 4.4 million injuries treated at emergency departments occurred while playing basketball, representing more than a quarter (26%) of all sports-related injuries.

Dr. Niteesh Bharara, a Regenerative Medicine doctor and avid basketball player, has treated basketball injuries sustained by patients — and even his teammates. But why does basketball lead to so many injuries?

Bharara says basketball can quickly become a contact sport. But even without more aggressive moves on the court, a player who plays most of a game is likely running two miles or more. And the sport’s fast pace and dynamic movements can put significant strain on the knees, ankles, and other joints. This is especially true for older players or those who do not engage in adequate stretching prior to play.

“Dr. B,” as Bharara is known, emphasizes the importance of preparation and strategic gameplay to safeguard against injury. While his advice is particularly pertinent during this high-intensity season, these strategies are beneficial year-round.

As basketball thrives across courts nationwide, players are reminded to take precautions to ensure their health while enjoying the game.