Basketball is a vigorous sport that combines agility with endurance. The quick turns and jumps you make to steal the ball away from an opponent and shoot the ball can be rough on your joints, and cause you some pain during and after the game. Prepare your joints, and your entire body, against possible strain injuries that can cause your joints discomfort.
Step 1
Warm up thoroughly before you play basketball. Walk for at least five minutes to warm up your muscles and loosen stiff joints to avoid pain later. Go through range of motion exercise -- knee and elbow bends, shoulder shrugs and ankle rotations -- to maintain fluidity in your joints before you shoot hoops.
Step 2
Wear ankle, knee or elbow braces to support weak or painful joints. You can buy elasticized or nylon-based braces at the drug store. Braces can reduce your risk of turning an ankle, and controls swelling from arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions.
Step 3
Attend to your sore joints before and after playing basketball to minimize your pain during a game. Take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory -- naproxen sodium or ibuprofen -- before playing basketball to limit pain and swelling in your joints. Ice painful areas after playing.
Step 4
Recognize your limits and don't push yourself. If your knees, hips or any other joint begins to hurt, call for a substitute and take yourself out of the game to rest.
Things You'll Need
- Ankle or knee braces
- Pain relievers
- Ice packs
