There is always going to be a risk of injury when playing any sport, whether it is football, rugby, swimming and even badminton. Some of the most common badminton injuries can, however, be avoided.
These injuries might include shoulder damage, wrist sprains and injuries to the knees. However, the most common badminton injuries occur in the ankles, and most pro players are familiar with the notion that you must warm-up and cool down correctly if you want to avoid these.
In this article, we are going to be looking at how you can avoid obtaining a nasty injury when playing badminton, allowing you to get the most out of your game.
Why Are The Ankles Affected In Badminton?
Badminton players often complain of ankle injuries, and these might not only affect the ankle joint but also the tendons that surround it; most commonly the Achilles tendon which can snap or tear during your game.
The reason that this particular area of the body is most affected by playing badminton is that it is mostly exposed. Badminton players have to make snap decisions and move quickly on their feet, and this can sometimes result in a twisted ankle or a torn ligament, which can put them out of action for a long time.
Badminton also involves a lot of jumping, and if you do not land correctly, there is also quite a significant risk of damaging this delicate area of the body.
How To Avoid Badminton Injuries?
There are several products that are recommended for badminton injuries, and some of them might work well. But the best way to prevent an injury is to work on yourself and make sure that you have the correct equipment. Combining these two factors will drastically reduce the risk of putting yourself out of action.
Badminton Shoes
We have spent some time researching badminton shoes, and it is evident that using the correct pair of shoes will offer support to both the ankles and the feet. Of course, you will also feel far more comfortable during the game if your feet are well cushioned and supported.
There are many different badminton shoes out there, but some people make the mistake of presuming that they can simply use a regular pair of trainers, but this is not correct.
Badminton shoes have been designed explicitly with this sport in mind, and their makeup is such that it takes the various movements performed by badminton players into consideration. This means that when you move around the court, you can feel confident that your ankles, feet and Achilles tendon are fully supported.
Try A Compression Sock
Aside from finding the right shoes, many expert badminton players suggest wearing a compression sock as an added layer of support. However, you should keep in mind that you must not wear the compression sock in place of good badminton shoes but rather alongside them.
The reason that these socks are particularly useful on the badminton court is thanks to a series of small buds on the inside of the sock. These are designed to increase your blood circulation, which in itself will not prevent an injury, but it will certainly make you more aware of any uncomfortable sensations.
You will also notice more easily if there is a change in the position of the foot, and this can stop you from continuing with a movement that could be detrimental.
Do A Proper Warm-Up
We cannot tell you the number of times that we have seen badminton players walk straight onto the court without doing a proper warm-up.
This can be massively dangerous where obtaining an injury is concerned, and you must make sure that you spend at least ten minutes warming up before every game; whether it is in a professional capacity or as a hobby match.
There is a wide variety of badminton stretches that you can do, each one will focus on a different area of the body, and it is essential to take part in them all. But since the ankles are one of the most at-risk areas, it is vital that you place a detailed focus on these.
In addition to warming up, you must also make sure that you take the time to perform a series of cool-down stretches at the end of your game.
Other Ways To Prevent Injuries In Badminton
Whilst the things we have already discussed are certainly the most effective and important ways to reduce the chance of an injury, there are several other things you can do to greater improve your risk level.
Be sure that the court is correctly maintained; never play on an uneven or poorly maintained badminton court.
Keep your muscles strong, particularly in the legs, and lower body as this will help with how you land from jumps and give your body a greater chance at resisting injury.
Work on your endurance as this will mean that you become tired less quickly; when we are tired, it is far easier to lose focus and make errors that could result in injury.
Work on your flexibility since this will make your muscles and tendons stretchier and can go a long way in reducing the chance of obtaining an injury.
Conclusion
Being such a fast-paced and demanding sport, badminton does see a lot of players suffering from injuries. Whilst back, shoulder and wrist injuries are among the most common, sports therapists see more badminton players with ankle injuries than any other kind.
However, there is no reason why these injuries should be so prevalent, especially when there are several things that you can do to prevent them.
You must always be sure to warm up correctly before each game and take the time to cool down afterwards. In addition to this, providing yourself with top quality badminton shoes and a compression sock can further reduce your risk.
