Basketball can be tough on the feet and ankles, as players engage in activities such as running, jumping, cutting, quick starts and stops, and coming into direct contact with other players. To stay in the game, basketball players should keep the following potential injuries in mind:
- Inversion Ankle Sprains: These sprains can harm the ankle ligaments and may also lead to peroneal tendon injuries, fractures, and chronic ankle instability.
- Overuse and Excessive Training: Prolonged and intense training can result in various issues, including heel pain (plantar fasciitis), Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis, stress fractures, posterior tibial tendonitis (PTTD), and calcaneal apophysitis in children and adolescents.
- Jones Fracture: Among the most common basketball injuries, the Jones fracture affects the base of the fifth metatarsal. It often results from the repetitive impact of activities like running, jumping, and the player’s foot structure.
