Basketball players have athletic physiques because they train intensively.Moreover, their feet go through a lot when they jump on the court multiple times. This physically strenuous sport often results in foot and ankle injuries. According to studies, the number of basketball related injuries that happen in a year is over 200,000. It has been studied that the basketball ankle sprain is one of the four leading causes of injuries in athletes.

Since injuries are highly common in basketball, it is important for players to understand the causes of injuries and reducetheir likelihood. Moreover, timely medical intervention is also important because ignoring a minor injury or ankle sprain may complicate the problem and end up requiringfoot and ankle surgeries.

This article presents an in-depth description of the most common types of basketball injuries and how they can be treated.

Basketball players should be aware of

1. Rolling ankles

Invertingthe ankle is an issue that basketball players face the most. It can badly affect the ankle ligaments whereas chronic issues of ankle instability, fractures and peroneal tendon injuries can also affect the player’s performance.

1. Training injuries

A player should be aware of the training intensity. Overuse or excessive training can also cause greater discomfort around the ankle region. The leading cause of heel pain during training is plantar fasciitis. Apart from this, adolescent basketball players are often seen in pain due to Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis, stress fractures and tibial tendonitis.

Treatment for an ankle sprainbasketball injury

An ankle sprain is a condition that is described bythe forceful twisting of the foot. Sprains are common, but players should be aware of the fact that these twists can cause permanent damage to the fibers and ligaments in the ankle.

Tenderness, swelling, bruising etc are the most common signs to identify a sports injury. One must visit a specialist for immediate sports injuries treatment.

A simple stretch of the ligaments can be treated with adequate rest, however, if the ankle is injured severely and the ligaments are completely torn. Based on the severity of the injury, the following treatments can be suggested:

1. Application of ice packs to the affected region.
2. Keep the feet elevated until the swelling and tenderness disappear.
3. Prescription of anti-inflammatory drugs to treat pain and inflammation.
4. Immobilization is beneficial if the ligaments are severely injured.

Walking boots can be given if the ankle is severely sprained. Following are the ankle sprain treatment methods that one must consider immediately to avoid the need for surgical intervention.

• Footwear modification
• Ankle wrapping
• Taping or bracing
• Ankle strengthening program

Moreover, recurrent cases of ankle sprains require physical therapy. When an ankle injury becomes an ongoing problem, a rigorous physical therapy regime is highly beneficial to regain strength and prevent the likelihood of recurring ankle sprains or basketball related injuries.

Furthermore, when physical therapy is no longer effective in helping patients regain strength, foot doctors may recommend surgery as a last resort.

Foot and ankle surgeries

Most basketball related foot and ankle injuries can be managed with non-surgical treatment methods. However, surgery becomes significant when chronic ankle instability is observed. Surgical treatment is considered necessary in the following conditions:

1. Achilles tendon rupture: The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. Forceful jumping during basketball games can lead to a complete or partial tear in this region.

A cast or walking boot can be given however chronic instability can only be treated with surgery. Depending on the severity of the rupture, the best suited surgical technique is selected by the foot doctor.

1. Ankle sprains: Damaged ankle ligaments can also be treated with surgical techniques. Surgery is often considered the last option and is mostly prescribed to competitive athletes. Surgery may keep the player off the court for a while but it is the best option to regain assured strength, balance and flexibility.

1. Ankle fracture:Ankle sprains and fractures are the results of trauma. Unlike sprains,which affect the ligaments, a fracture is a broken bone. Inward rolling of ankles can cause sprains as well as fractures. Adequate diagnosis can be helpful in identifying the suitable treatment procedure. Partially broken bones can be treated with immobilization where the foot is restricted in a cast or splint.If the injury is severe then it can be repaired with surgery. Lining up the broken ankle bones may also require the insertion of metal plates.

Conclusion

Unstable ankles are the main reason that most basketball players end up seeking treatment for stress fractures or ankle sprains. Minor sprains or partial tears can be treated with immobilization and prescription medication. However, surgeries should also be considered to assure proper restoration of ligament strength and bone alignment.

The available treatment options for basketball related injuries are cast, splints, physical therapy and surgery. Depending on the severity and the diagnosis, a foot specialist can suggest the best suited treatment.

If you are an athlete and looking for a personalized treatment plan to regain strength in your foot and ankle, then schedule an appointment at the Orange County Foot and Ankle group. Here you can consult with the best foot surgeon in Orange County CA who will thoroughly diagnose your condition and suggest the most suited surgical or non-surgical treatment option.