If you play basketball or football, there’s a good chance you’ve suffered an injury or injuries to your foot and ankle. These unfortunate sports injuries has happened to many athletes in an intense game on the court or field. What are these injuries and what causes them? As an athlete, how can you prevent them and find the best treatment procedures? We’ve got the answers.
First of all, let’s discuss three of the most common foot and ankle injuries. You might have heard of some famous basketball players who suffered through these injuries. These are Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, and ankle sprains. Achilles tendinitis is a condition that affects the Achilles tendon due to overuse. It is the largest tendon in the body. Plantar fasciitis affects the bottom of the heel and an ankle sprain is a condition of severe twisting of the foot.
All of these common injuries are caused by constant pressure or overuse of your feet and ankles when engaging in sports. But there are ways to treat and prevent these injuries from happening to you.
One good way to prevent a condition like Achilles tendinitis is to relieve the pressure you put on your Achilles tendon. You could decrease the intensity of your exercise routine and do more low-impact training. This will help strengthen your calf muscles. It is very important to wear shoes that support your feet to avoid plantar fasciitis. Avoid practicing or working out barefoot.
Ankle sprains are also best prevented by relieving intense pressure on the foot. Try reducing your intensity when you run drills. These types of sprains are normally treated by using the R.I.C.E. method. This stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation. It is also beneficial to rehabilitate your ankle in three phases. This makes the healing process go by quickly.
As an athlete, treating these injuries requires a lot of work, time, and patience. But rest assured, you can be successful in battling these ailments and maintain a healthy, successful career. If you need to see an orthopaedic professional, visit Hampton Roads Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine. Visit us online to request your appointment with us today!
