Badminton has an overwhelmingly positive reputation. This is because it is fun and safe for all ages. These notions are likely to be true given its popularity as an entertainment sport for kids and as an Olympic sport.
However, badminton is not immune to injuries. In fact, some of the most severe can take up to months to recover completely. One study published by a Danish-based team of doctors in 2006 found that badminton injury rates average 2.9 per 1,000 hours. Badminton is not a contact sport. This means that there’s no physical contact. But badminton injuries are quite common. Most often, they are caused by players wearing the wrong shoes, not warming up, heating up more than necessary, using poor technique or being overweight. Players who are not active for some time can sustain injuries, as well as seasoned athletes who overuse body parts like the elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles.
Acute/Accidental injuries:
Ankle Sprains – While statistical data is still lacking, research papers show that ankle sprains account for more than half the badminton injury reports. An ankles strain can be defined as the stretching of or tearing the ligaments and muscles around the ankle. There may be injury to bones, tendons and other joints in extreme situations. It is possible for bleeding to occur within the tissues, leading to sudden swelling and edema. Third-degree sprains can take up 6 months before they are fully healed. In 99 percent of cases, ankle sprains happen accidentally. They occur when the player hits his foot on his partner’s shoe or falls on the ground with his foot turned inwards, inwards, or flexed. Badminton’s fast directional changes can cause ankle injuries by causing the feet to twist or roll. These injuries are often caused by fatigue, excess body weight, and shoes that have more grip than usual.
Meniscus Tear – Also known as the “Torn Cartilage Knee Injuries”, this is just as severe as a broken ankle. The meniscus, or cartilage that provides soft cushioning between the hip and the shin bone, can sometimes burst during badminton footwork. This causes pain at the knee joint, swelling, and makes it difficult to move the leg fully. An injured ligament or completely ruptured one can also cause this problem, increasing the severity and time to heal. Most people find that the pain and swelling subsides quickly. For some athletes, however, knee locking can occur, which could lead to the knee ‘giving away’. This is when surgery may be necessary.
Muscle strain-Unexpected movements such as an overhead smash can put muscles under pressure. This could cause a dislocation of fibers within the affected muscle. It can cause pain, swelling and bruising, as well as loss of function in severe cases. Commonly affected muscles include the hamstring and knee, shoulder, and calf.
Ocular injury- According to a Malaysian study, badminton was the “sport that presents the greatest ocular risk in Malaysia”. A Canadian study found that badminton was responsible for between 30-58% and 58% of eye injuries caused by racquet sport in Canada. It may be funny for a layman to see that a shuttlecock is lighter than the squash or tennis balls. While eye injuries are more common in squash than in badminton (on average), the severity of these injuries is higher in the former. Because the bottom round of a shuttlecock is able to fit into an eye orbit, and because badminton has extremely fast speeds, this may explain some of these results. Shuttlecocks can reach speeds exceeding 300km/h and Badminton is considered the most fast racquetsport in the world. Tan Boon Heong from Malaysia set the world record at 421km/h in men’s doubles. This was achieved during the Japan Open 2009. It’s 1/3 the speed sound travels at sea, and one can easily imagine what it would be like for a shuttlecock to reach one’s eye at this speed. This would not be pleasant to say the least.
Fractures- Although rare in badminton there have been some reports of fractures. These fractures usually happen when the racquet of another player hits a player’s arm or leg, if the person falls on their own feet or if another player makes a mistake and steps/falls on them/us.
Chronic/overuse injuries:
Achilles Tendonitis: Loosely translated, Achilles Tendonitis is also known as Achilles Tendonipathy. It’s an inflammation of one of the leg’s heel cords. It can also be described in badminton as a degenerative condition in the Achilles Tendon. This is a result of repetitive running and jumping, and worsened when you don’t warm up properly. As one gets older, the condition tends get more severe.
Tennis Elbow- Be careful not to be deceived by the name of this injury. The Tennis Elbow can be seen frequently in other sports, and is very common among badminton players. This injury is known by the medical community as Lateral Epicondylosis. It’s a result of chronic overuse injuries that results in inflammation of the tendons on the outside of the elbow. Repetitive backhand strikes can lead to Tennis Elbows. These problems can worsen with a change in grip size or lack of recovery.
Golfer’s Elbow – The injury that is most similar to Tennis Elbow except the site of the injury. While Tennis Elbow is an inflammation of the outside of the elbow and Golfer’s Elbow occurs more on the inside. The pain can radiate to the forearm. The main cause is overuse and degeneration of the wrist.
Jumper’s Knee – The injury occurs when you jump repeatedly on hard surfaces. This condition is also known medically as Patellar Tendonitis. The Patella Tendon, located under the kneecap, can become damaged from long-term jumping or landing in badminton. The tendon damage is usually worsened by activity, and sometimes a rupture can occur if there’s not enough rest.
Rotator Cuff Injury- This is the most common shoulder injury that badminton players sustain. It’s usually caused by repetitive stress to the shoulder while performing overhead badminton shots. It is usually a persistent irritation of the shoulder called an “impingement syndrome” which can lead to partial tears in the muscles of the rotator-cuff. A complete tear can occur if the muscles are exposed to stress or activity.
Sacroiliac Joint Disorder – The Sacroiliac Joint links the sacrum, at the base of your spine, to the ilium. Chronic lower back pain can be caused by badminton players who have low core stability. Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction is the name of this condition. Affected players should consult a doctor for an evaluation.
Neck strains – When one focuses on the shuttlecock too long and turns his neck in various directions, the neck can be stretched beyond its normal angle. This happens especially when you play smashes or strikes around your head.
Cramps: A cramp in badminton is an intense, sudden pain in one’s leg caused by fluid loss, muscle overheating and fatigue. However, a sudden cramp may be warranted to be put in the “acute injury”This is the most serious category. It occurs when you play badminton long enough.
Abrasions or blisters are common, but less serious than other malignant conditions. These abrasions usually occur on the hands and knees from direct contact with rough surfaces. Blisters are caused by pus or fluid under the skin from prolonged gripping of a racquet or long-term direct contact with a rough surface.
Prevention and treatment:
You would do well to remember the old rule of thumb in the gym. “You don’t get fit to play a sport, you play a sport to get fit!”Players of badminton at all levels should take some important precautionary steps before they play.
A good warm-up and cool-down after playing heavy badminton is essential. Warm-ups should consist of jogging, skipping or spot walking for about five to ten minutes. Then, you will do short stretching of 30-second duration on your tighter muscles. Finally, stretch specific muscle groups such as the shoulder and hamstring. The player may choose to add specific drills like push-ups, sit ups, and similar. Stretching helps release tension, improves circulation, and prepares you for badminton. Start the game by playing some gentle shots together for around five to twenty minutes. Then, increase the speed and pace of the game. A game should be ended with cool down and stretching exercises.
For preventing elbow and ankle injuries, shoes and grips are especially important. Tennis Elbow can be caused by gripping a tennis racquet for too long or hard. Shoes with a heavy grip may also cause Achilles Tendonitis and ankle sprains.
A good quality racquet should fit perfectly into your palm to prevent any elbow injuries. Your racquet can be transformed into an injury-preventive tool. You should add more grip to your handle but not too much. Tennis Elbow Compression Straps can be useful for people who are already suffering from Tennis Elbows. They reduce tension by compressing the elbow tendons.
Badminton involves the ability to glide across the court. It is therefore important to choose shoes that have an arch support, shock absorbers to protect the ankle and heel, and heel cups to ensure the heel stays protected. Special soles are also available which don’t allow for much friction. To ensure all-round protection, make sure you buy shoes that have a mix of these features. For badminton, you should not wear shoes that are primarily for jogging and basketball.
Badminton products such as orthotics and insoles for injuries, knee and Achilles straps or ankle braces, shoulder support, blister socks and ankle braces are all recommended.
Research scientists suggest that experienced and novice badminton players wear the same certified plastic polycarbonate sunglasses to protect their eyes.
Finally, remember to always have water on hand or an isotonic sport drink handy, especially when badminton is played in hot conditions. Badminton, just like any other sports can cause fluid loss and dehydration.
If a badminton accident has occurred, you need to be quick with the right procedures in order for your injury to heal quickly. Correct diagnosis is the first step to healing for acute injuries such as sudden strains, sprains, and tears. For a full recovery, this must be followed up by rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. You must take extra care to not put weight on the injury area. Also, long periods of rehabilitation should be done. For sprains to the ankle, a removable cast walker with plastic may be needed. Rest and Ice Therapy are good options for tennis elbows. In more serious cases, pain relief, anti-inflammatory medication, and corticosteroid injections may be necessary. For golfer’s elbow, you can use tape, elbow guards and manual therapy to treat it. Achilles Tendonitis is a condition that causes Achilles Tendonitis. Ice packs may be useful, however, it’s important to rest for at least 3 months in order to allow the body to make collagen.
Does that sound scary? You don’t need to feel scared! For those with even the slightest interest, Badminton is still a great sport. If players take the appropriate precautions and are well-informed about how to handle injury, there is no need to fear.
You can keep the shuttlecock free and safe, while enjoying a fun-filled badminton session!