Badminton is a great sport for all ages, but like any physical activity, it comes with the risk of injury. The most common badminton injuries are strains and sprains, usually to the shoulder, elbow, or ankle.
While these injuries can be minor and heal quickly with rest and ice, more serious injuries can occur if proper precautions are not taken. This article will discuss the most common badminton injuries, how to prevent them, and what to do if you do get hurt.
Short Summary of Most Common Injuries In badminton
- Ankle Sprain caused by sudden inversion(turning inward) or eversion (turning outward) of the foot.
- Shin Splints are caused by repetitive stress to the muscles, tendons, and bones in the lower leg.
- Thrower’s Shoulder caused by repetitive stress to the shoulder from overhead motions.
- Jumper’s Knee is caused by repetitive stress to the knee from landing and jumping.
- Achilles tendon Rupture is a tear of the Achilles tendon, the large tendon that attaches the calf muscle to the heel.
These were some of the most common injuries that occur while playing badminton. Now let’s explore the causes of these injuries.
Common Causes of Injuries in playing badminton
The following are some of the common causes that lead to injuries while playing badminton:
- Overuse
- Poor technique
- Lack of warm-up or cool-down
- Poor footwear
- Playing on an unsuitable surface
Overuse injuries can occur when someone plays too much badminton. This can cause the muscles and tendons to become tired and strained. Poor technique can also lead to injuries. This includes using the wrong swing or hitting the shuttlecock with too much force. Lack of warm-up is another common cause of injuries. When someone jumps right into a game of badminton without warming up first, they are at risk for strains and other injuries.
All of these factors can lead to injuries while playing badminton. It is important to be aware of them and take the necessary precautions in order to stay safe.
Why this article is useful
This article is useful because it shares the detail of the injuries that can occur while playing badminton and also how to prevent them. For those who would like to prevent themselves or their partners from getting injured, this would be a good read.
Also, this article helps to understand injuries that might occur easily on the court. So, if you are feeling pain in any particular area, you will be more aware of what might be causing it and how to treat it.
Common Badminton Injuries – How to Prevent it & Treat Them
Most Common Badminton Injuries: Ankle Sprain
This is one of the most common injuries that can occur while playing badminton. It is caused by sudden inversion (turning inward) or eversion (turning outward) of the foot. The ligaments that support the ankle joint are stretched or torn.
Generally, Badminton requires quick movement and change of direction which can place stress on the ankle joint and lead to this type of injury.
Preventing Ankle Sprain Injury
There are several ways you can prevent this type of injury:
- Wear supportive shoes that fit well and provide good ankle support.
- Don’t forget to stretch and warm up your muscles before playing!
- Strengthen the muscles around the ankle joint. Pay attention to your technique and be sure not to twist your ankle.
- Wear snug-fit badminton shoes with good ankle support.
- It is always recommended to wear an ankle brace to protect your ankle from any inversion or eversion movement.
Treating Ankle Sprain Injury
If you do happen to experience an ankle sprain, it is important to seek medical attention right away. However, there are some tips you can follow to treat the injury at home:
- Rest your ankle and keep it elevated.
- Apply ice for 20 minutes several times a day.
- Wear a compression bandage to reduce swelling.
- Do not put any weight on your ankle until the pain and swelling have gone down.
However, the above are just tips to recover from an ankle sprain, if the pain persists, it is always recommended to visit a doctor.
Most Common Badminton Injuries: Shin Splints
Shin Splints are caused by repetitive stress to the muscles, tendons, and bones in the lower leg. This type of injury is common in sports that involve running or jumping. The pain is usually felt along the inside of the shinbone (tibia) or the front of the lower leg.
Preventing Shin Splints
There are several things you can do to prevent shin splints:
- Wear shoes that fit well and provide good support.
- Wear shoes that are appropriate for the surface you are playing on.
- Always take the time to properly stretch and warm up your muscles.
Treating Shin Splints Injury
If you experience shin splints, it is important to seek medical attention. However, there are some things you can do to treat the injury at home:
- Rest your leg and keep it elevated.
- Apply ice for 20 minutes several times a day.
- Take painkillers if necessary.
- Concern Doctor for Anti-inflammatory medications.
- Use specially-designed Shin splint braces/calf braces /compression socks to increase blood circulation and reduce pain and swelling.
If the pain persists, it is always recommended to visit a doctor.
Most Common Badminton Injuries: Thrower’s Shoulder
This is a type of rotator cuff injury that is common in badminton players. It is caused by the repetitive overhead motion of the arm while playing. A rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that attach the shoulder blade to the upper arm bone.
As per research, this is a common injury seen in intermediate or beginner players. This is because they cannot control the power and accuracy of their shots yet, which puts more stress on the shoulder joint. Also, choosing the wrong weighted racket that is too heavy can lead to more injuries.
Preventing Thrower’s Shoulder
To prevent this type of injury, it is important to:
- Get your body moving before starting the game.
- Use lighter racquets and shuttlecocks.
- Avoid excessive or repetitive overhead motions.
- have regular exercise for an upper-body workout routine.
- Use appropriate weightlifting exercises for the rotator cuff muscles.
Treating Thrower’s Shoulder
Suffering from Thrower’s shoulder: It is important to seek medical attention. Since this injury is caused by repetitive motion, the best way to treat it is to rest the shoulder and observe the pain. However, there are some things you can do to treat the injuries by following tips :
- Avoid moving your arm in an overhead motion.
- Apply ice for 10-15 minutes several times a day.
- Avoid practice or playing until the pain subsides.
- Take proper therapy from recommended Physiotherapist.
- Concern Doctor for Anti-inflammatory medications.
If the pain does not go away, you should go to a Physio consultant so they can check what is wrong.
Most Common Badminton Injuries: Jumper’s Knee
Jumper’s Knee is caused by the repetitive stress on the kneecap (patella) and the tendons that attach it to the lower leg bone (tibia). The pain is usually felt around the kneecap and gets worse when jumping or running.
Preventing Jumper’s Knee
There are several things you can do to prevent a jumper’s knee:
- Warm up and stretch before playing.
- Maintain good fitness levels and have strong leg muscles.
- Avoid excessive jumping and running.
- Use proper shoes that fit well and provide from toe level
Treating Jumper’s Knee
Thanks to new modern technology and research, there is equipment that is easily available in the market which can help reduce pain and swelling caused by a jumper’s knee:
- Cold therapy: Equipment like the Flexible Gel Ice Pack, which is a reusable pack, can be used to apply cold therapy to the affected area.
- You can also take a break from playing or practicing to allow the injury to heal.
- Concern Doctor or Physio for proper medication and treatment.
- A Patella knee strap is also recommended for fast recovery from Jumper’s knee.
If you’re still experiencing pain, go to the nearest Orthopedic consultant for an accurate diagnosis and checkup.
Most Common Badminton Injuries: Achilles tendon Rupture
The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body. It connects the calf muscles to the heel bone and allows us to raise our heels off the ground when we walk or run. Achilles tendon rupture is a partial or complete tear of this tendon. It usually occurs during badminton practice or a game when there is a sudden force on the tendon, such as when you suddenly change direction or stop running.
Preventing Achilles Tendon Rupture
There are several things you can do to prevent Achilles tendon rupture:
- Regular exercise for Calf and ankle workout routine.
- Avoid excessive jumping and running.
- Use proper shoes that are appropriate for your feet.
- Warm up and stretch before playing.
Treating Achilles Tendon Rupture
If you think you have ruptured your Achilles tendon, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. The treatment for this injury depends on the severity of the tear. For a partial tear, you may only need to rest and avoid putting weight on your leg. For a complete tear, you will need surgery to repair the tendon.
After the surgery, you will need to wear a cast or splint for several weeks. You may also need to have physical therapy to help you regain strength and flexibility in your leg.
If the discomfort persists, visit an orthopedic specialist for a thorough diagnosis and examination.
Most Common Badminton Injuries: Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is the connective tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes. This condition is caused by repetitive stress on the foot, such as from running or playing badminton.
The pain is usually felt in the heel or arch of the foot and is worse when you first get out of bed in the morning or after sitting for a long period of time. I have seen many badminton players who suffer from this heel pain causing a huge break in their badminton career.
Preventing Plantar Fasciitis
Every Institute or badminton consultant should inform their student to strongly focus on footwork training. Because badminton depends 80% on footwork. If the footwork is not correct, players will end up using their shoes the wrong way which will damage the shoes and also cause injuries like Plantar Fasciitis.
- Invest a good amount in choosing the correct shoes
- And make sure to change your shoes every 6 months because by that time the shoes will be worn out and will not provide the same support as it.
- Never miss out on warm-up and stretching sessions.
- Maintain a good balance between practice and extreme practice sessions.
Treating Plantar Fasciitis
If you believe you have plantar fasciitis, it is critical that you visit a doctor as soon as possible. The treatment for this condition depends on the severity of the inflammation. For minor situations, you may simply need to lie down and refrain from putting weight on your foot. For more severe cases, you may need to have cortisone injections or even surgery.
After the inflammation has subsided, you will need to do physical therapy to help stretch and strengthen the muscles in your foot. You may also need to use a night splint to keep your foot stretched while you sleep.
- Rest the ankle by taking off weight-bearing activity for a period of time.
- Apply a cold compress to your feet for 20 minutes at a time, several times throughout the day.
- If you see some improvement, stretch the sub-acute portion of your feet with a tennis ball.
- Get more support for your feet with specially designed insoles, Wearing orthotics can help reduce the pressure on your plantar fascia.
- You may also wrap an elastic bandage around your foot to give support.
When to Seek Medical Attention
A good number of minor injuries can be resolved using the above tips and suggestions. However, there are signs where you’ll realize that the injury is beyond your control and you’ll need to seek professional medical attention.
- When you try the methods and hints outlined above, but the agony and swelling do not subside, it’s time to seek medical assistance.
- It’s not feasible to use your legs or arms for this exercise.
- When there is a visible abnormality or mass on the legs or joints.
- Damage to a muscle that is visible from the outside.
- When you’re unable to raise or power the racket.
Read More:
- 7 Easy steps for serving high
- Learn Badminton Drop-shot
- What is correct age to start badminton
- How to Master Badminton Serve
Conclusion:
Badminton is a sport known for its fast-paced gameplay and intense competition. It demands excellent agility, explosive power, and quick changes in direction, which can sometimes lead to injuries. However, by following the proper safety precautions and using the right equipment, you can minimize your risk of injury.
If you do suffer from an injury, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. The sooner you begin treatment, the sooner you’ll be back on the court and competing at your best.
Thank you for reading! I hope this guide was helpful in understanding some of the most common badminton injuries and how to prevent them. Stay safe on the court!
Visit our homepage for regular update on badminton advice or to learn more badminton facts, visit here !