Basketball
If you play basketball, you know how easy it is to be sidelined by injury. When they occur, proper treatment is needed to get players back on the court.
For those of us who are spectators, it seems as if there’s at least one injury to a player’s lower extremities in just about every game. Constant all-out sprints, jumping, fast cuts and hard stops are inherent in basketball. Add player contact like being stepped on or stepping on another player’s foot or ankle and these types of injuries become all too common. Few other sports continually place the level of stress on feet and ankles as does basketball.
Achilles tendon ruptures are common injuries in football and rugby. They are usually non-contact injuries and the result of a lack of flexibility due to inadequate conditioning and over-stretching of the tendon. Both nonoperative treatment and surgical repair are effective, based on the severity of the tear. It’s important to see an orthopedic surgeon if you suspect you’ve sustained this type of injury.
The Achilles tendon, stretches from the calf muscle to the heel and although it is the strongest tendon in the body, it is prone to overuse injuries. Normal play and moves in many sports and activities place incredible stress on the tendon making it prone to tendonitis. This inflammation of the tendon leads to pain and stiffness in the calf and a limited range of motion.
Possibly the most common sports injuries are ankle sprains to varying degrees of severity. At some point in an athlete’s career, he or she will experience at least one ankle sprain. When they do occur, proper rehabilitation and conditioning are critical. Studies show that players who have had an ankle sprain are five times more likely to suffer repeat injuries.
An avulsion fracture may occur when you sprain your ankle and the ligament or tendon pulls off a small piece of bone. You’ll experience sudden pain, swelling, bruising, and limited mobility.
The Jones fracture is common within professional basketball, diagnosed when players break the fifth metatarsal bone.
Plantar Fasciitis is an inflammation of the Plantar Fasciia. It is a thick band of tissue at the bottom of your foot that runs from your heel to toes. It is an injury that can occur all at once due to an accident, fall, sudden impact and overstretching. It can also occur over time progressing due repetitive movement and overuse. It can become debilitating.
