Bracing for March Madness: How to Keep Your Feet and Ankles Safe This Season
The Most Common Basketball Injuries to Watch Out For
Spring is in the air, and so is the excitement for March Madness. The conference tournaments are already tipping off, and college basketball fans everywhere are looking forward to 67 action-filled games full of upsets and memorable moments. Of course, all this madness means there are bound to be some foot and ankle injuries—both in the courts and in the backyard. If you’re a basketball lover, or the parent of one, here are some common basketball injuries to look out for.
Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries in basketball. Your ankle joints—there are three per leg—are held together with ligaments, which are responsible for keeping your ankle from undergoing abnormal movements. When your foot twists suddenly and excessively—as they tend to do in basketball games—those ligaments overstretch and even tear. If left untreated, an ankle sprain can develop into chronic instability, so be sure to visit a sports podiatrist if you are feeling any pain or discomfort.
Achilles Tendonitis
The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel and is used when walking, running, and jumping, so it is common for basketball players to injure it. Achilles tendonitis occurs when the tendon becomes inflamed from repetitive stress and having tight calf muscles. In some cases, the tendon may also tear if it is under too much stress. An Achilles tear can put a player on the couch for the rest of the season, so be sure to stretch in order to prevent injury.
Plantar Fasciitis
Basketball players put a lot of stress on their feet, which can often lead to injuries. One of the most commonly injured areas in the foot is the plantar fascia, a long, thin ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel to the front. Repetitive activity such as running can cause the plantar fascia to become inflamed, causing pain on the bottom of the heel.
Need a sports podiatrist in Concord, NC?
From all of us at Ryan Foot and Ankle, have a safe and fun basketball season! If you happen to sustain a basketball injury or other foot and ankle injury, be sure to stop by our Harrisburg NC and Concord NC podiatry clinic for professional care.