Basketball is a high-impact sport that can lead to a variety of foot and ankle injuries. Here are some of the most common basketball injuries to the foot and ankle:
- Ankle sprains: Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments that support the ankle are stretched or torn. This is a common injury in basketball, as players often land awkwardly or change direction quickly, putting stress on the ankle.
- Achilles tendonitis: Achilles tendonitis is inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. Basketball players are at risk for this injury due to the jumping and running involved in the sport.
- Plantar fasciitis: Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. This can be caused by repetitive stress on the foot, such as running and jumping in basketball.
- Stress fractures: Stress fractures are small cracks in the bone that can be caused by overuse. Basketball players may be at risk for stress fractures in the foot or ankle due to the constant jumping and running.
- Turf toe: Turf toe is a sprain of the ligaments around the big toe joint. This can be caused by a sudden stop or change of direction while the foot is planted on the ground, such as when jumping or landing in basketball.
Preventing basketball injuries to the foot and ankle involves wearing properly fitting basketball shoes with good ankle support, warming up and stretching before playing, and gradually increasing intensity and duration of play. In the event of an injury, it’s important to rest and seek medical attention to avoid further damage.