Common badminton injuries

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 fibres 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.

Overuse Badminton Injuries

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 (see elbow injuries)

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.

Shoulder Injuries

Very common in Badminton as this game involves a lot of overhead shots.Normally caused by problems or damage on the rotator cuff.

Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper's Knee)

A chronic overuse injury due to repetitive jumping on hard surface with poor footwear. There will be pain in the front of the knee( just below the patella). It may seem resolved initially after warming up but it'll be aggravated by a sudden increase in intensity and frequency of jumping. It may result in tendon rapture and may involve other structures: example plica, femoral condyle. Adequate rest is the best option of cure.

Achilles Tendinopathty

A chronic degenerative change of the Achilles tendon due to repetitive jumping and pushing off, poor recovery, warm up and stretching. There will be pain and swelling in the Achilles tendon. It may result in the rupture of tendon. (explosive jumping)

Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

A chronic low backache caused by anatomic anomaly, inadequate abdominal and lumbo-pelvic muscle control (core stability). It can be prevented with stability and coordination exercises of local and global muscles (abdomen, diaphragm, back pelvic floor and gluteal). Please refer to doctor for full evaluation on this badminton injury.

Cramps

A sudden, tight and intense pain caused by a group of muscle locked in spasm due to excessive fluid loss, excessive heat gain, fatigue and inadequate muscle recovery and heredity. This badminton injury usually happens in the player's leg area. Treatment should include straightening of the leg and gentle massage. Also drink as much fluid as you can in between intervals.

Abrasions

Superficial loss of skin due to contact with floor or mat. This is a common badminton injury as you fall to the ground to retrieve a shot. Clean the wounds thoroughly to prevent infections.

Blisters

Fluid filled space under the skin caused by direct contact with hard surface. Occur mostly on the heels and toes and at times on the hands. It may lead to infection if untreated. Clean the area before pricking the blister to drain the fluid. Then leave the skin in place and cover with gauze.

No matter how safe conscious you are, there are still risks of getting the above badminton injuries. You should always consult a doctor at A+ clinic.If the injury is not that severe, taking adequate rest would be your best option.