Basketball Foot & Ankle Injuries

Feet and ankles take a beating in basketball! Basketball foot & ankle injuries can occur from running, jumping, cutting, quick starts and stops, and direct contact with other players. Basketball players should be aware of the following:

Inversion ankle sprains can damage the ankle ligaments, and can also be associated with peroneal tendon injuries, fractures, and chronic ankle instability.  The ligaments of the ankle undergo a tremendous amount of stress during basketball maneuvers.  One of the most common injuries sustained while playing basketball is an ankle sprain, where the lateral ankle ligaments are stretched or torn.  Ligaments heal but after multiple sprains can become loose and result in chronic ligament laxity.

Overuse and excessive training can lead to heel pain (plantar fasciitis), Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis, stress fractures, posterior tibial tendonitis (or PTTD), and calcaneal apophysitis in children and adolescents.

Basketball is a common sport that people will sustain an Achilles Tendon Rupture.  This occurs because someone contracts, or tightens, the calf muscle and pushes off with the foot causing strain to the achilles tendon.  If you have sustained an Achilles Tendon Rupture, you should contact us immediately for the proper treatment.

The appropriate footwear should include a thick, stiff sole that provides support for impact.  It should also have high ankle construction that supports the ankle during quick changes in direction.