Medically reviewed by M. Thurairaj, Registered physiotherapist. · Last reviewed June 2026.
Why the joints take a hit
Repeated jumping and landing load the knees, while quick cuts and pivots test the ankles, which are easily turned on an awkward landing or a foot. Tired legs, weak supporting muscles or a sudden increase in playing can leave the joints sore or prone to a tweak. Ankle sprains in particular are very common in basketball and benefit from proper attention.
Protecting your knees and ankles
Warming up properly, building leg strength and working on ankle stability and balance all reduce the risk of niggles and sprains. Good court footwear and increasing play gradually help too. If you have sprained an ankle before, rebuilding its strength and balance properly matters, as poorly rehabilitated ankles are prone to spraining again, which is very common in the sport.
Recovery and warning signs
Massage to the legs, around the knees and hips can ease the tightness that builds from regular play and support recovery between games. It works alongside warming up, strength and balance work. A swollen knee, a knee that gives way or locks, an ankle you cannot weight-bear on, or sharp pain should be assessed by a professional rather than played through.
Key takeaways
- Jumping, landing and cutting load the knees and ankles
- Ankle sprains are especially common in basketball
- Warm up, build strength, and work on ankle stability
- Massage aids recovery; assess swelling, giving way or sharp pain
Frequently asked questions
Why are ankle sprains so common in basketball?
Quick cuts, jumps and landings make it easy to turn an ankle, especially on an awkward foot. Ankle stability and balance work, and proper rehab of past sprains, reduce the risk.
When should a basketball knee or ankle injury be checked?
A swollen knee, one that gives way or locks, an ankle you cannot weight-bear on, or sharp pain should be assessed rather than played through.