In brief: Why have basketball injuries escalated? The author points out that before 1960 basketball was largely a no-contact sport. Since then the amount of body contact allowed has increased, players are larger, and more athletes are playing basketball. In addition to these and other possible reasons for the increase in injuries, the author describes common basketball injuries-contusions, sprains, strains, inflammatory conditions, and stress fractures. He also outlines steps for diagnosis and treatment and makes recommendations.