Ankle sprains are some of the most common injuries in basketball, due to the large amount of running and jumping involved in the sport. If a player comes down on an ankle incorrectly after jumping to catch, throw, or shoot, the foot can turn under, stretching and tearing the lateral ligaments. Ankle sprains can actually be quite serious injuries if they end up damaging the tendons, bones, or joint tissues.

When a basketball player suffers an ankle sprain, it is best to first ice and elevate the player’s ankle. After being taken to a doctor, he or she will be given sports protective gear to wear in the form of an ankle brace. It is important to wear the brace at all times to minimize further damage to the ankle, and also to refrain from playing again until given the go-ahead by a doctor. Athletic tape can also be used in addition to ankle braces, in order to provide additional support to weak ankles, and a sports injury specialist can advise the appropriate medicine to use to manage pain and swelling during recovery. The player will likely need to complete some type of training rehabilitation program before returning to top performance levels.

The use of sports safety gear is integral to avoiding injury while playing basketball. All players should utilize ankle brace equipment in the case of ankle damage or injury, and should be taught the proper techniques to land from high jumps and leaps.