Netball is a popular sport that is enjoyed by people of all ages. However, like any other sport, there is a risk of injury. The most common injuries in netball are sprains, strains, and fractures.
The good news is that there are ways to prevent these injuries from occurring in the first place. By following some simple safety tips and using the right equipment, you can greatly reduce your risk of being injured while playing netball.
If you are looking for ways to avoid the most common injuries in netball, then read on!
Ankle sprains
One of the most common injuries in netball is an ankle sprain. This occurs when the ankle joint is forcefully turned beyond its normal range of motion. This can result in the ligaments being stretched or torn.
Ankle sprains can be extremely painful and can often side-line players for weeks or even months. However, there are some simple things you can do to reduce your risk of suffering an ankle sprain. Here are a few tips:
-Wear proper shoes that fit well and offer good support.
-Warm up properly before playing.
-Stretch your muscles and joints before and after playing.
-Strengthen your muscles with regular exercise.
-Avoid playing on uneven surfaces.
By following these simple tips, you can help reduce your risk of suffering an ankle sprain.
Achilles tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis is a common injury in netball, particularly among those who play in the center position. The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body, and it connects the calf muscle to the heel. This tendon is used when we walk, run, jump and push off from the ground. When it becomes inflamed or irritated, it can cause pain and stiffness in the affected area.
Achilles tendonitis is usually caused by overuse or repetitive stress on the tendon. This can occur from playing netball, running or even doing simple activities like walking. If you have Achilles tendonitis, you may experience pain and stiffness when you first get out of bed in the morning or after you've been sitting for a while. The pain may also worsen with activity or when the weather is cold.
Shin splints
Shin splints are a common injury among netball players. They occur when the muscles and tendons around the shin become overstretched and inflamed. Shin splints can be extremely painful and can seriously impede your performance on the court.
If you're suffering from shin splints, there are a few things you can do to ease the pain and get back to playing your best. Rest is always the best medicine for shin splints, so take a break from playing if you can. Ice is also good for reducing inflammation, so try applying an ice pack to your shins for 20 minutes at a time. You can also take over-the-counter pain medication to help manage the pain.
Fractures
There are several different types of fractures that can occur in netball. The most common type of fracture is a stress fracture, which is caused by repetitive impact on the bone. This type of fracture can be particularly difficult to recover from and may require a lengthy period of rest.
Another type of fracture that can occur in netball is an impact fracture. This type of fracture happens when a bone is hit with a high amount of force, such as when a player is hit by a ball. Impact fractures can be very serious and may require surgery to fix.
If you suspect that you have suffered any type of fracture, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Fractures can be extremely painful and can cause long-term damage if they are not treated properly.
Netball is a popular sport that is enjoyed by people of all ages. However, like any sport, it carries a risk of injury. The most common injuries in netball are sprains, strains, and fractures. To avoid these injuries, it is important to warm up properly before playing, to wear appropriate footwear, and to stop playing if you are in pain. With a little bit of care, netball can be enjoyed without incident.
Book an appointment with our qualified team of consultants or physiotherapists to know more about any pain you are suffering with.