With March madness around the corner, it’s important for both athletes and enthusiasts alike to recognize the common foot and ankle injuries associated with basketball.Â
The game of basketball can lead to the overstressing of the foot in various ways through repetitive running and jumping. Injuries of the foot ankle play include ankle, inversion, sprains, Achilles tendon injuries, and fifth metatarsal base or fractures.
Ankle inversion sprains are associated with the rolling one’s ankle and the sudden onset of pain. The individual often experiences a sudden and sharp pain on the outer side of the ankle along with swelling, and difficulty walking. The severity of an ankle sprain ranges from a mild ligamentous tear to a complete ligamentous rupture. Most ankle sprains are treated via conservative measures.
Achilles tendon injuries are common in basketball due to the frequent running and jumping associated with the sport. The stresses that basketball places on the Achilles tendon may lead to injury; these injuries range from tendinitis to complete rupture of the Tendon. An individual with an Achilles tendon injury may have symptoms ranging from an ache in the back of the heel to the sensation of a sudden popping accompanied by sharp pain and the inability to walk. The treatment of an Achilles tendon injury varies depending upon severity. More minor injuries are generally treated via conservative measures such as rest and immobilization, however a rupture of the Achilles Tendon may require surgery and Approximately 8 weeks of down time.
A fracture of the fifth metatarsal base, or jones fracture is common in basketball players due to the high impact forces on the lateral (outer) side of the foot. The fifth metatarsal bone has a particularly weak blood supply around its base, and thus less resilient, and prone to injury; particularly in people with higher arched feet. Those who experience a jones fracture will have sudden by pain and swelling on the outer side of the foot accompanied by difficulty walking. While conservative therapy is possible with this type of injury, surgical intervention is often pursued.
As a rule, if you feel any pain in your foot or ankle during a game then your best course of action is to rest, ice, elevate and elevate your foot. If conservative measures fail, then please do not hesitate to make an appointment with your podiatrist.
