Preventing Basketball Foot & Ankle Injuries

Preventing Foot & Ankle Injuries in Basketball

Basketball is an exciting sport featuring some of the world's top physical talent. From Magic to Lebron James to Zion Williamson, some of t our most explosive athletic achievements occur on the hardwood.

But all of this running and jumping puts a major strain upon the body. All this strain inevitably results in injury.

It's rare for a top basketball player to go through an entire career injury-free. And in a sport where twisting, turning, and contorting the body is an everyday occurrence, it's not a question of if injuries occur, but when. 

How To Prevent Foot and Ankle Injuries in Basketball

Although foot & ankle injuries are a common occurrence while playing hoops, you can take some steps to protect them. Here are three tips to remember before you hit the court.

1. Tape Your Ankles

Taping the ankles can provide an extra level of support due to the compression provided. That's why you'll notice that many of the pros have their ankles taped before the game. 

Most teams, from the amateurs to the pros, have access to a certified athletic trainer who can help with taping ankles. And, It shouldn’t be too hard to do it on your own, if you need to.

2. Wear Supportive High Top Shoes

This is a no-brainer, but wearing basketball-specific shoes when you play is highly recommended. Shoes that are engineered specifically for basketball are (usually) considered high-tops, adding extra support to the ankles. They often feature a high level of padding in the soles in the form of "air pockets or another brand-specific proprietary tech. 

As with any sport, proper, sports-specific footwear goes a long way in providing protection from injuries.

3. Know Your Surface

If you are just goofing around playing pickup hoops, you may find yourself in a situation where you don't have your basketball shoes. In that case, take it easy!

Proving yourself on the blacktop isn't work a broken ankle, and playground hoops often feature uneven surfaces and a less structured environment that can lead to injuries. 

If possible, play on wood courts that are built specifically for basketball. These provide a good level of support while being flexible at the same time. If you ever get a chance to visit a professional or major college court, you might be surprised how much "spring" there is in these surfaces. 

So remember, wood court good, concrete or blacktop court, riskier. 

Basketball Foot & Ankle Injuries Happen, So Mitigate the Risk

Foot & ankle injuries in basketball will happen. So our job is to mitigate the risk! Taking the aforementioned steps will help you stay on the court longer. 

Stay safe and good luck!