Common Badminton Injuries

Badminton is a very fast sport when played at a high level which involves a lot of twisting, reaching for shots and sudden stopping. The whole body is
actually at risk but the most common badminton injuries are the shoulder, knee and wrist followed by the ankle.
Shoulder injuries such as shoulder strain can be avoided by making sure you are using the correct technique. Badminton 'clears' are a throwing
action but many beginners use their racquet like a frying pan or in other awkward ways which in turn can cause shoulder injury and does nothing for
performance. Correct grip of the racquet is also important. Repetitive strain injury of the shoulder or overuse is caused by practising the same shot
repeatedly in long training sessions.
Wrist injuries are usually caused by an incorrect grip. The thumb needs to go around the shaft/handle of the racquet as if shaking hands, not with the
thumb straight along the shaft; also a loose grip is needed. Correct grip is vital to prevent wrist injury.
Knee and ankle injuries are common badminton injuries due to the constant twisting and sudden stopping in the game. Usually it's more than just
ankle pain or knee pain; it is more likely to be ligament or tendon damage which will put you out of the game for several weeks. Many players take too
many steps during the game when they could use less and reach. Good footwork and positioning in singles and in doubles can reduce the risk of injury
and also enhance performance.

Acute 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 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.

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.

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 or a
physician. If the injury is not that severe, taking adequate rest would be your best option.