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Tremendous Pressure
In basketball, tremendous pressure is exerted on the foot
and ankle. without proper equipment and preparation,
podiatric physicians say, injuries will invariably occur.
Two distinct types of injury to the lower extremity can
occur in basketball: acute injury from a sudden and
forceful blow, or chronic injury, which develops slowly
and becomes aggravated over an extended period of time.
Most acute foot and ankle injuries, which occur from
landing improperly from a jump or twisting while falling,
are accidental and difficult to prevent. The most common
acute injuries include ankle sprains, torn ligaments,
muscle pulls, tendon ruptures, and fractures.
Chronic, or overuse, injuries can be caused by inadequate
warmup, poor conditioning, improper and ill-fitting shoes,
worn out shoes, or a biomechanical deformity that causes
undue stress on the foot and ankle. common chronic
injuries sustained in basketball include stress fractures,
plantar fasciitis, shin splints, achilles heel, tendinitis,
patellar tendinitis, sesamoiditis, and blisters.
Similar injuries, especially ankle inversions and stress
fractures, are also seen in another indoor court sport,
volleyball. Volleyball is more purely vertical than
basketball; there is less running and cutting, but more
quick-step reactions from a stationary position.
Different playing surfaces can also have an effect on
injuries. indoor wood courts offer the most shock
absorption and are considered the safest courts, while
outdoor courts of asphalt are more dangerous. concrete
courts are the hardest and most dangerous courts in
relation to lower extremity injuries.
Preventing Injuries
Some acute injuries occur following mid-air
collisions, erratic lunges for a rebound, or scrambles
after a loose ball, and can't be helped. But chronic
injuries can be averted with proper conditioning,
equipment, and good sense on the court.
Podiatric physicians recommend stretching exercises and
gradual warm-up before beginning vigorous play. A separate
weight-lifting regimen of both upper and lower body
muscles helps minimize the impact of chronic injuries
before they happen.
Another means of preventing injuries while playing
basketball is a proper shoe. shoes should be
basketball-specific, with lots of ankle support and shock
absorption.
Some high-topped shoes offer more ankle support than
others and are preferred by many doctors of podiatric
medicine. Shoes should fit well and be replaced before the
soles become smooth, or before the uppers begin to tear or
come apart. A typical basketball shoe should be replaced
every two to three months for five days a week worth of
play. Acrylic socks should be worn to avoid blistering.
Vollyeball-specific shoes should also be worn by devotees
to that sport. they are similar to the basketball shoe,
but typically are lighter, have less midsole support, and
a "tighter" sole more responsive to quick starts and
stops.
When the Game's Over
Acute injuries require immediate medical attention.
After a bad fall or painful twist, the game's over. when
an injury occurs, podiatrists advise, get off the court
immediately and apply first aid. the best initial
treatment for acute injury is ice, rest, compression, and
elevation of the injured extremity. See your podiatric or
family physician as soon as possible.
When bothered by a chronic injury, reduce activity level
in accordance with the severity of the pain. if nagging
pain gets worse in the course of a game, get off the court
and apply ice and a compression bandage, and elevate the
foot. over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such
as aspirin or ibuprofen can be taken at proper dosage for
temporary pain relief.
If pain does not subside within three to five days, see a
podiatrist, who will explore possible causes of the
injury. Chronic pain can often be traced to a
biomechanical abnormality that is placing undue stress on
a particular part of the foot or ankle.
Biomechanical imbalances can be corrected by prescription
orthotic devices--specially constructed shoe inserts that
redistribute the body's weight evenly on the foot and
ankle.
Selective stretching and strengthening programs, shoe
modifications, or strapping of the foot and ankle can also
correct biomechanical problems. Lower extremity structural
problems that often lead to injury include high arches,
flat feet, bow legs, and tight calf muscles.
Getting Back on the Court
Basketball is one of the most demanding sports,
physically and mentally, and is especially rough on the
foot and ankle. Understand that competitive basketball
puts the entire body under stress and at risk of injury.
When injury to the foot or ankle does occur in basketball,
the injured part must be given time to get over the acute
inflammatory phase of healing. Then, adequate support with
shoes or splints and/or tape may be necessary.
Finally, and just as important, is the need to strengthen
the injured part back to its pre-injury condition. If not,
it will continue to remain weak and predispose the athlete
to re-injury.
Your podiatric physician/surgeon has been trained
specifically and extensively in the diagnosis and
treatment of all manners of foot conditions. This training
encompasses all of the intricately related systems and
structures of the foot and lower leg including
neurological, circulatory, skin, and the musculoskeletal
system, which includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons,
muscles, and nerves. |
