Injuries are a part of sports and when it comes to outdoor ones, it seems inevitable. This is due to its all-in nature and that too in a group setting where things couldn’t be in your control all the time. Especially when it comes to the sudden dashes, jerks, and flips. Basketball is one such game; it is more often than not when a basketball player has a foot injury.
If you have seen the game you would know how that is not completely unimaginable given the way the game is played. However, what is worse than getting injured is getting rehabilitated to play on the field again. So this blog will discuss how and why basketball player foot injuries can be treated or maybe avoided altogether. Keep on reading to know more.
Key Principles Of Foot Injuries Rehabilitation
Before we look into the particular injuries and their rehabilitation, let’s examine some basic principles when it comes to foot injuries.
1. Early evaluation- Make sure there is an early diagnosis so that you can take the proper course of medication.
2. RICE protocol- Rest, Ice, compression, and elevation are the key methods you need to follow when you suffer an injury.
3. Pain management- Consult a doctor and take medications accordingly to manage your pain.
4. Physical therapy- Enroll yourself in a good rehabilitation program to embark on the path to recovery.
5. Gradual return to activity- After taking a proper break, you should get back into the game without much ado.
The important thing to remember is to not lose hope and believe you can overcome the obstacles as they come along.
Common Basketball Player Foot Injuries And Their Rehabilitation
Before we look into the rehabilitation methods let’s see what are the common injuries one has when they play basketball.
1. Ankle sprain-
It is the spraining or twisting of the ankle muscle and is extremely painful. Usually happens when you make a fast movement without getting a proper grip. It could also be due to the rolling of the ankle or improper landing.
👉Rehabilitation
You could either opt for a wide range of exercises that can bring back flexibility in your muscles. You can also engage in proprioception and balance training so as to strengthen your core. This can help you from future accidents. Strengthening exercise can also be extremely helpful when you are going through a sprain.
2. Stress Fractures-
As its name suggests, stress fractures occur when you expose your foot to repetitive actions. It can also be caused due to over over-exertion or wearing unfitted footwear that is not prescribed.
👉Rehabilitation
When it comes to stress fractures, usually your bones suffer from cracks and therefore it is not ideal to lift weights for quite some time. In fact you should only indulge in non-weight lifting activities. As your bone starts healing, you should gradually introduce yourself to lifting weights. At the same time, do go for low-impact exercises as well, swimming or stationary biking in low movement could do it.
3. Plantar Fasciitis-
The plantar fascia is a muscle that supports the arch of your foot. When they are sprained or get swollen due to exertion, inappropriate sports shoes, and improper posture.
👉Rehabilitation
When you are recovering from an injury like that you better focus on stretching your calf and plantar fascia to relieve the pressure. Next, you can consult a doctor or physiotherapist to provide you with arch support. Choosing to get a night splint is also a great idea to help it keep in position when you are sleeping.
Also Check:- Basketball Player Ankle Injuries: Rehabilitation Tips – Quick Guide!
4. Achilles Tendonitis-
Similar to Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis occurs when your Achilles swells due to stress overuse and sudden activity like a jerk.
👉Rehabilitation
Eccentric calf muscle exercises are what you need to engage in. They not only lengthen the calf muscle but also promote healing. Stretching could also help you recover soon. Heal lifts can also pressure the Achilles just right.
5. Lisfranc Injuries-
It could consist of a group of injuries that one might suffer due to falls or accidents.
👉Rehabilitation
This could be a little difficult to manage with physiotherapy only. So you might need elaborate surgeries and allow in time for recovery. After that, you can go with some light exercises and continue with the medication.
