Badminton is a sport that
requires a lot of physical efforts and flexibility among the
players. Getting physically active entails a lot of injuries as
well. If the player is not well prepared or their
techniques are not correct then players may face injuries.
Therefore, the common injuries that players experience are
as follows-
- Ankle Sprain- This
is a common badminton injury, usually accidental. It may occur when
the athlete steps on his partner's foot and land with a plantar
flexed, inverted and supinated foot. Most sprains occur on the
lateral ligament complex, a group of ligaments on the outside of
the ankle. It will result in a painful swelling in the outer aspect
of the ankle, usually causing a partial or total rupture of one or
more ligaments.
Apply RICE (Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate) to reduce swelling. It
may also result in other complications eg. fracture, tendon
injuries and loss of proprioceptive control. It may take days to a
few months to heal with adequate rehabilitation.
- Meniscus Tear-
Normally caused by a sudden twisting movement of the knee during
footwork resulting in the tear of the meniscus. There will be pain
in the joint-line of the knee, mild swelling and unable to flex or
extend the leg in full. It may be having accompanying collateral or
cruciate ligament injury.
- Muscle Strain-
Sudden explosive loading of a muscle resulting in rapid contraction
of muscle fibers like a sudden overhead smash. It may result in the
disruption of muscle fibers and will cause muscle pain, swelling,
bruising and lost of function (depending on severity) eg. Hamstring
strain, gastrocnemius strain, adductor strain, quadratus lumborum/
lumbocostal strain.
- Lateral Epicondylitis
(Tennis Elbow)- A chronic overuse injury due to repetitive
backhand flicks, over tension of strings, change of grip size, poor
recovery and stretching. It will result in pain in the lateral
epicondyle and common extensor tendon.
Having the correct techniques and proper grip sizing is important
to prevent this type of badminton injury. It is also important that
you do not advance too quickly to a higher level or increase the
intensity of play. Adequate rest is the best option of cure.
- Medial Epicondylitis
(Golfer's Elbow)- An acute or chronic overuse injury due
to repeated wrist flicks, with inadequate recovery of the common
flexor tendons. Pain will occur at the medial epicondyle. You can
treat it with tape, tennis elbow guard, manual therapy and
stretching.
These injuries can be dealt
with, if the player uses correct techniques and is well prepared
with playing. If the players are properly warmed up then there are
less chances of getting injuries.