Basketball is generally considered less dangerous compared to football. However, players can still experience injuries like sprains, fractures, and bruises, but the risk of serious injury is usually lower. Nevertheless, the risk of collisions and falls still exists, especially when playing at higher levels.
Due to limited physical contact, baseball is typically considered one of the safest sports. However, players can still experience sprains, fractures, and bruises, but the risk of serious injury is generally lower compared to football or basketball.
What is the Most Dangerous Sport in America?
After extensive research, our team has found that basketball or baseball is the most dangerous sport in America, with 2,823 injuries reported in 2021 – 64% more than American football.
This study comes ahead of the 2022 NBA Finals, which will begin on June 2nd and run until June 19th. Several key players may be unable to participate due to injuries.
We analyzed data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS)¹ for 2021 to raise awareness about the risks associated with the country’s most popular sports.
basketball or baseball will be one of the most watched programs in the country in 2021, with over 57.5 million people in America watching internet live sports content at least once a month. This year, the number of viewers watching the NBA playoffs is at its highest point in a decade³. On the other hand, the NFL remains the most-watched sports league, with an average of 17.1 million viewers for its 2021 regular season⁴.
Top 15:
- Basketball: 512,213
- Bicycling: 485,669
- Football: 418,260
- Soccer: 174,686
- Baseball: 155,898
- Skateboards: 112,544
- Trampolines: 108,029
- Softball: 106,884
- Swimming/Diving: 82,354
- Horseback riding: 73,576
- Weightlifting: 65,716
- Volleyball: 52,091
- Golf: 47,360
- Roller skating: 35,003
- Wrestling: 33,734
Tonino utilized information on injuries managed in emergency departments from the American Consumer Product Safety Commission.
According to a recent study, knee injuries, particularly anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, are among the most prevalent and dangerous injuries.
Basketball
Despite its widespread popularity, basketball is considered one of the most dangerous sports. This is due to its fast pace and high-contact nature. Injuries such as ankle sprains, torn knee ligaments, and fractures are common. The combination of high speed, collisions, and jumping puts pressure on players’ bodies. Additionally, the environment of an indoor court can contribute to slipping and falling injuries. Proper training, conditioning, and adherence to safety protocols are essential. It’s necessary to mitigate these risks and ensure the well-being of athletes.
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Baseball
In America’s favorite pastime, there are more contact injuries than one might expect. Most players’ injuries occur due to contact with the ball, bat, or another player. However, rapidly in the United States, hand and shoulder injuries are becoming more common among the estimated six million young baseball players. Much of this is due to poor training and technique, leading young hurlers to attempt throws that are more difficult or prolonged than they should be.
A hardball impact to the head can result in serious brain injuries, including concussions and, in severe cases, coma and intracranial bleeding. A study in 2017 found that there were 242,731 traumatic brain injuries related to baseball and softball between 1982 and 2015 – or one in every 2,000 games played. A significant factor: not wearing protective headgear.
Common Basketball Injuries in Basketball
Basketball is an enjoyable game for players of all ages and skill levels. When people think about sports-related injuries, they often think of contact sports like football, lacrosse, or ice hockey where collisions are common. While basketball is not considered a collision sport, it is still a game with a significant degree of contact, contributing to a wide range of injuries.
The fast pace of basketball and the contact during gameplay contribute to a diverse array of injuries. According to a study by the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, for every 1,000 hours of basketball played, athletes can expect 6-14 injuries.
What are the most common basketball injuries?
- Ankle Sprains
- Knee Injuries
- Jammed Fingers
- Achilles Tendonitis / Tears
- Thigh Contusions
- Facial Lacerations
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Baseball Injuries and Conditions
As the official hospital for the New York Mets and five other professional sports teams in the New York area, the Hospital for Special Surgery treats hundreds of elite athletes each year, as well as those who play club teams or recreationally for fun.
At any level of competition, baseball and softball players may experience shoulder, elbow, hand, or wrist-related injuries. These often occur due to repetitive throwing, swinging the bat, and even catching balls at high speeds. Because baseball/softball players, especially pitchers, are prone to shoulder injuries, specific rehabilitation exercises for throwing athletes, reduced throwing volume, and better pitching mechanics are recommended to manage pain.
Other overhead-throwing and swinging athletes, such as volleyball, tennis, and water polo players, may also be at risk of shoulder injuries due to repetitive overhead activities. Rest, proper conditioning, and solid mechanics can help control minor short-term pain or discomfort; however, persistent pain may indicate a more serious condition requiring surgery, such as shoulder instability or severe tearing.
What is the Most Dangerous Sport in America?
According to our research, basketball or baseball was identified as the most dangerous sport in America.
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