Taking time off from basketball can suck especially when you want to play but can’t due to an injury. In any case you want to fully take care of yourself so you do not worsen the condition you are in which can set you back even further if you play too soon. But what about stitches?
Can you play basketball with stitches? You should under no circumstances play basketball with stitches. The point of stitches is to hold the skin together in order for the skin to heal properly and mimick the appearance of the skin before the injury. Playing basketball will slow this process, muscles get tense while playing basketball causing the stitched area to weaken while possibly opening the wound further. The area must be kept dry and may be difficult to do so if you are sweating.
So you probably wondering how long do I have to wait for the wound to heal, this depends on so many factors the size, location, and if you are taking care of it properly. Your best answer to your questions is to ask your doctor.
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Playing Basketball with Stitches
Understand some of us may think it is ok to play basketball anyways if there are 2 or 3 stitches in a location that one feels will not be touched during a basketball game. But when your whole body is warm and the wound is still healing this can lead to more swelling in that area with physical activity making it vulnerable to opening.
Not only playing but sweating is a problem for the stitched area, You must keep the area dry and not wet for long periods of time. This is bad for the wound when we want it to heal as quickly as possible. Most infections are going to occur within 30 days of the stitched area.
The other concern is what if the ball or a player hits the area where the stitches are. It always seems that when you are injured in a certain area, the injury always seems to attract the weirdest occurrences resulting in further injury.
Again you want to avoid any exercise that stresses the wound or stretches the stitches, this means eliminating basketball.
What If I tape it up or cover it? Great idea, But that doesn’t change anything, as long as you are working your muscles or there are other players around, there is always a chance that the wound and stitches can open. The wound is still fresh and adding more blood flow to the wound when there is some swelling will expand the skin weakening the stitch which may have to heal the way it is.
Every situation and set of stitches are different to the problem area the best thing to do is ask your doctor at the time you get your stitches or when they are removed when you can play basketball.
The Quickest Way to Heal So You Can Play
Nobody likes to be out of the game due to an injury, the quickest way to get back in is to listen to your doctor’s advice, and this going to require patience. While you are resting you can take care of the injury by cleaning the area a few times a day directed by your M.D. ( Medical Doctor).
On top of that, it may help to take a vitamin supplement, while Vitamin C, E, and D all help with healing and providing the necessary collagen to the wounded area. Collagen is a protein that helps with the production of skin repair. You can find low-cost supplements on amazon by Clicking Here!
Can I play Basketball Right After Stitches are Removed?
Even after getting your stitches removed your skin hasn’t healed completely with the stitches now off. The area will still be tender and red in color. Depending on where your stitches were on your body, your doctor may suggest one to two more weeks of rest for the wound to fully heal.
Frustrating I know, but it is well worth taking the time to allow the wound to heal properly than to reinjure it and opening the wound, then having to start the whole process all over again. I know this from experience.
Can I shoot around with stitches?
If your stitches are on the head or face, light shooting around should be ok. If the stitches are in the torso or arm area or legs, do not play basketball or any sport in general. You risk the chance of stretching the skin as I did in my younger days. It really wasn’t worth a few days of basketball I played for an ugly scar I had developed and am stuck with for the rest of my life, I should have listened to my doctor.
Quick Story
I was young once and had stitches on my should due to an injury I suffered from falling off my bike during my freshman year in high school. I took 5 days off and didn’t play any sports, taking care of my wound and helping it heal and doing what the doctor recommended. But then one day against doctor’s orders, I decided to play basketball in the school gym when I should have sat and watched my friends. Well, you probably could guess what happened?
The bandage covering my stitches was red when I took off my shirt to change. The throbbing in my shoulder, I decided to ignore it while I was playing which was a big mistake. When I peeled back the bandage the stitches and skin were almost apart. I know have a larger scar then what could have been prevented altogether and it isn’t pretty at all. Even causing me to feel self-conscience about it at the beach even though I was in pretty good shape. Now that I’m older I do wish it wasn’t there but it doesn’t bother me at all anymore.
If your Stitches Open?
If you decide not to listen to my advice or the recommendation from your doctor and decide to play, and your wound opens or the stitches separate. Immediately treat the area by cleaning it with a skin disinfectant solution and covering it with some gauze and go see your doctor. If it even looks infected or unnatural again see your M.D.
Just a word of caution you may be left with an ugly scar.