Ankle injuries are very common for any sportsperson but the chances of having this injury are a bit higher when the game is basketball. One of the major reasons for this is due to the game’s nature, where the player is required to jump off the ground using both feet in order to score a point.
While the legs of a perfectly fit athlete have the capacity to hold and bear the entire weight of their body, sometimes there are cases where it does not go according to the plan. So, there are often more cases where basketball players end up with ankle injuries than for any other game or sports item. In most cases of ankle injuries, it is the lateral ligament that is affected. Even though they are stretchable, sometimes the injuries push them past their limit, causing a tear or rupture, leaving them to cause pain.
Being such a common issue, it is very important that you are familiar with a few easy and effective rehabilitation tips to save you from the pain. So, read on to get to know more about it.
Rehabilitation Tips For Basketball Players From Ankle Injuries
The type of rehabilitation tips administered for ankle injuries can depend upon the level of pain and severity of the issue.
- In case of mild sprain or injury
In such cases, the treatment or rupture of ligaments will be minimal, which also results in minimal swelling and pain. In such small cases walking will be possible. Icing is the best type of treatment for mild injuries. It is best to administer ice packs for 15 to 25 minutes and once the pain has subsided, apply a compression wrap. Also, try to keep your ankle in an elevated position.
- In the case of moderate sprain
Moderate pain can occur when the ligaments of your ankle are partially torn. As expected, the pain and swelling in this case will be higher than in earlier cases and it might also be difficult for the person to walk.
Even in this case, the best thing to do initially is to apply an ice pack and keep our ankle elevated. Following those, you can use the help of eternal measures like a soft cast to protect the injured ligaments. Make sure to take an x-ray of your feet in order to ensure that there is no bone damage.
- In case of a severe sprain
Sometimes during the match or practice session, an ankle injury can lead to a complete tear or rupture of your ligament, and the pain from these injuries can be quite strong. Sometimes bruises can appear on both sides of the ankles in this iteration. There is a commonly followed pattern of procedures in such cases, often referred to as RICE – which stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.
Following this standard procedure is a must when it comes to ankle injuries. From there, a cast is the most effective and common next procedure and it will be administered by the physician for a certain period depending on the injury. Using tape or elastic wrap to give additional support to your leg is also advised as it will be difficult for the person to walk properly.
Read More:- Ankle Sprains In Athletes: Recovery Guidelines
Conclusion
From the information provided above it can also be interpreted that only injuries with severe sprain are the ones that need close attention but that is not the case. Issues of mild or moderate sprain also have the potential to be quite devastating if correct or proper treatment and consideration are not administered. These severe issues can lead to limiting the person from engaging in sports items or even to other causes like arthritis in the ankle. So, whatever the severity of the issues, always keep in mind to follow RICE, which is Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation, and also administer proper follow-up treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. On average, how long does it take for a person to fully overcome a basketball ankle injury?
If the level of sprain is moderate to severe, it is possible that the person will recover within 6-8 weeks.
Q. What are some of the best ways to ensure the strength of your ankles?
Simple exercises like ankle circles, ankle pumps, calf stretch, heel raises, and heel dips and raises can ensure the strength of your ankles.
Q. Does using ankle support give any kind of advantage from ankle injuries?
There are reports which suggest that using ankle support has the potential to decrease the level of ankle injuries by a massive 68%.
