5 Common Basketball Injuries And How To Avoid Them

Sports of any kind involve a good deal of active movements, and many of them rely on your feet and ankles to be in top condition. Basketball requires players to run, jump, make lateral movements, have quick stops and starts, and come into direct contact with other players. All of these movements necessitate the players having a solid foundation from their feet, ankles, and legs. 

Because of all of these types of movements, the feet and ankles truly get tested for stability and strength. It is common, however, for basketball players to sustain injuries even if those players have been participating in the sport for many years and are experienced with the activity. Wear and tear eventually tires out muscles, tendons, bones, and tissues, and sometimes accidents happen on the court which results in some common foot and ankle basketball injuries.

5 Common Foot And Ankle Basketball Injuries

Sports such as basketball require serious athletic demands on the athletes participating in them, and the stress of these activities can lead to injuries and foot pain in basketball players. The following are several of the most common foot and ankle injuries related to basketball:

• Ankle Sprains: A sprain to the ankle affects one or more ligaments in the ankle. Ligaments are tissue that connects one bone to another and bind joints together. The severity of the injury depends on whether the ligament is stretched, partially torn, or completely torn and the number of ligaments involved.
• Plantar Fasciitis: When the band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes (the plantar fascia) is inflamed, this condition is known as Plantar Fasciitis. It will become irritated and then inflamed which results in heel pain.
• Achilles Tendonitis: This is the inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which is generally short-lived but can get progressively worse if not resolved. When patients do not visit their local foot clinic in American Fork, Utah, such as Rogers Foot & Ankle Institute, the inflammation can lead to degeneration of the tendon and develop microscopic tears. It can even rupture in severe cases.
• Jones Fractures: Overuse, repetitive stress, and trauma are all causes of a Jones fracture in the small area of the fifth metatarsal. These can either be stress fractures (hairline breaks) or acute sudden breaks and can be very difficult to heal.
• Neuroma: If you are experiencing pain between the toes, tingling, or numbness, it may be the result of a pinched nerve in your foot known as a neuroma.

If you have experienced these or any other pain resulting from a basketball injury, it is best to make an appointment with a Provo’s foot and ankle doctor.

How To Avoid Foot Pain In Basketball Players

Although sports sometimes result in injuries, there are many easy ways to do your best to avoid foot pain. Basketball players should make sure that they wear the proper shoes designed for the court on which you are playing, opt for foot orthotics for extra cushioning in your shoes, stretch regularly before and after playing, listen to your body when it feels overworked or tired, practice balance techniques for greater stability.

Contact Our Provo Foot And Ankle Doctor

At Rogers Foot & Ankle Institute, we are dedicated to helping you recover from basketball injuries and getting you back on your feet to live your best life. Our American Fork foot clinic has the knowledge, skills, and experience to diagnose your condition and recommend the best course of treatment for your individual situation. If you have been injured while playing basketball, contact us as soon as possible to make an appointment and get your foot or ankle pain checked out.