(HealthDayNews) -- With the basketball season underway, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons offers these injury prevention tips:
- Warm up with jumping jacks, stationary cycling or running for five minutes. Then slowly and gently stretch, holding each stretch for 30 seconds.
- Select basketball shoes that fit snugly, offer support and are non-skid.
- Wear knee and elbow pads.
- Use a mouth guard to protect your teeth.
- If you wear glasses, use safety glasses.
- Don't wear jewelry or chew gum when playing.
- Avoid playing on courts where baskets and boundary lines are too close to walls, bleachers, water fountains or other structures.
