By Michael David, DPM
Table of Contents
It’s basketball season! This popular sport can be as low–key as shooting hoops in your driveway or as suspenseful as a championship game.
Incredibly, more than half a million players are treated for basketball–related injuries each year.
Common Basketball Injuries
Basketball involves lots of running, stops and starts and quick turns. These movements can put teens and kids at risk for injuries to the foot and ankle, including soft tissue injuries and fractures. Overuse injuries like tendonitis are also common. Frequent basketball injuries include bruises or contusions, broken bones, and ligament injuries. Ankle injuries are very common and should be professionally evaluated, so the athlete does not return to the game before healing is complete. Even if the injury is not obvious on an X–ray, a splint or cast can help healing and safe return to play.
Preventing Basketball Foot and Ankle Injuries
- Train in advance with aerobics and flexibility and strength workouts.
- Increase pre–training activity gradually.
- Warm–up and stretch before practices and games.
- Stay hydrated.
- Choose athletic footwear that is well–fitting and appropriate to the sport. Ankle supports can help reduce the risk of sprains.
- Avoid overuse by cross–training or playing a different sport for a season.
If your child cannot bear weight because of pain and/or swelling, it’s time to schedule an appointment for an extensive evaluation, diagnosis, and expert treatment.