Ankle Sprains in Basketball
Ankle Sprain in basketball is the most common injuries due to the quick changes in direction and constant jumping. Proper care and rehabilitation is important for reducing symptoms and getting back on the court as fast as possible.
Why do ankle sprains occur?
- Usually as a result of landing on the outside of the foot after jumping for a rebound.
- Stepping on another players foot during quick changes in direction.
What usually happens?
- Ligaments connecting bones and supporting the ankle are stretched and torn. These ligaments can tear partially or completely.
- In some severe cases, if a fracture is suspected of the lateral malleolus or surrounding bones, a physiotherapist will order you an x-ray.
What are the signs and symptoms?
- Bruising around the outside of the foot and ankle.
- Swelling and warm to touch around the ankle joint.
- Difficulty walking and twisting your ankle.
What to do immediately after injury?
Employ the RICE method:
- Rest and only move to the limit of your pain
- Ice: as soon as possible 20minutes every 2 hours
- Compression: firmly bandage the ankle and shin to control swelling
- Elevation: Elevate your ankle higher than your heart level
How can Physiotherapy help me?
- Your physiotherapist will determine what ligaments are damaged, how badly they are torn and order you an xray if it is needed.
- The physiotherapist can also strap your ankle to support it, whilst it heals.
- Special techniques call mobilisations can help to improve the range of movement of the ankle so it is easier to move the ankle/li>
- Your Physiotherapist will show you important exercises that work to improve the strength of the muscles around the ligament to protect it whilst it heals.
How to prevent further ankle sprains?
- The physiotherapist will teach you balance and strengthening exercises to retrain the muscles around the ligament to support and protect the ankle, incase the ankle should roll again.
- Wearing correct basketball shoes, shoes that have a high top or have good ankle support are best. Generally, cross training and running shoes are not recommended.
- Correct foot posture/position is very important as it may take some of the load of surrounding structures around the foot, our in house podiatrist can recommend insoles or orthotic inserts.
- Your physiotherapist will be able to show you proper warm up stretches
HEAL AND PREVENT FURTHER INJURY
Get the support you need to recover from a basketball injury. Contact our office to see what we can do to get you back to peak performance on the court.