With chillier weather on the way to Cincinnati, many people shift their focus to indoor sports. However, playing basketball, volleyball or tennis on the hard surface of an indoor court can increase the risk of injury to the feet and ankles.
One of the most common injuries is an ankle sprain, often caused by quick, lateral movements in court sports or, especially in basketball, by stepping on a competitor’s foot. Ankle sprains are often under-treated, which can lead to chronic pain and weakness in the ankle. When in doubt, follow the RICE protocol: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation, until your foot and ankle specialist can provide proper treatment.
Stress fractures may result from the shock of feet landing on hard surfaces. These small but troublesome fractures can be difficult to detect, and many times, people continue to play with pain and delay diagnosis and treatment while worsening the injury.
The heel is another common injury site. Heel pain can indicate a plantar fascia injury or bone spur. The plantar fascia is a thin, strong tissue band that supports the arch and stretches from the heel to the ball of the foot. Over time and with repeated shocks, micro-events can occur and cause the fascia to tear from the heel, resulting in bone spurs.
Appropriate stretching, warm-ups, as well as calf stretches can help prevent Achilles tendon injuries in those playing court sports.
Dr. Ruth Ann Cooper
Dr. Ruth Ann Cooper