Everybody’s abuzz with excitement for March Madness and cheering on the SU Orange in the tourney. Many kids and weekend warriors will take to the court to get in their own action, and the Foot & Ankle Specialists at Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists encourage them to play safely while shooting hoops.
According to the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons, feet and ankles can take a beating in basketball. Injuries can occur from running, jumping, cutting, quick starts and stops, and direct contact with other players. They advise basketball players to be aware of the following:
- Inversion ankle sprains can damage the ankle ligaments, and can also be associated with peroneal tendon injuries, fractures, and chronic ankle instability.
- Overuse and excessive training can lead to heel pain (plantar fasciitis), Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis, stress fractures, posterior tibial tendonitis (or PTTD), and calcaneal apophysitis in children and adolescents.
SOME TIPS FOR SAFE PLAY ON THE COURT INCLUDE:
- Do target exercises to strengthen foot and ankle like a foam roller on calf, Achilles and your feet.
- Wear footwear designed for basketball – they should fit snugly, have high tops and be non-skid.
- Practice balance exercises like alternating standing on one foot.
- Only play on dry, even surfaces.
If you do suffer a foot or ankle injury while on the court, the SOS Foot & Ankle team can help. The team consists of fellowship-trained, board certified orthopedic surgeons Frederick Lemley, MD and Naven Duggal, MD; and the only podiatrist associated with an orthopedic practice in Central New York, Christopher Fatti, DPM. Rounding out the team is Maureen Kaljeskie, C.Ped., a pedorthist trained in the management and treatment of conditions of the foot, ankle and lower extremities, and specializing in custom orthotics, lower extremity bracing and diabetic shoes.