3 Basketball Injuries a Podiatrist Handles Best: Keep Your Layups Lightning Fast

It’s been a great year for basketball, but for those of us watching at home, it’s easy to forget the cost of all that leaping and sprinting!

My Chicago Foot Expert has helped out all kinds of players, from top-tier athletes to after-work enthusiasts. For this blog post, we’ve decided to share some helpful info we’ve picked up along the way. Read on to learn more about a few problems that basketball often leads to, then follow up with how a podiatrist can speed up your recovery, boost your game, and reduce any pain!

1.) Ankle Sprains: The Classic Crossover Curse

Ankle sprains are a rite of passage for many basketball players. They occur when the ligaments supporting your ankle joint overstretch or tear due to a sudden change in direction or a bad landing.

• Podiatrists can assess the severity of your sprain, with first steps often involving some conservative treatment options (such as rest, ice, compression, and physical therapy).
• Custom orthotics can improve stability and prevent future sprains, especially for those who suffer from chronic instability.

2.) Plantar Fasciitis: Heel Pain That Steals Your Slam Dunk

This painful condition involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot.

• Repetitive stress from running and jumping on the court can trigger this pain, often concentrated near your heel.
• Podiatrists can diagnose plantar fasciitis and recommend a treatment plan, including stretching exercises, night splints, and orthotics designed to support the arch and reduce stress on the plantar fascia.

3.) Achilles Tendonitis: The Sting That Sidelines Your Speed

The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscle to your heel bone, and overuse can lead to inflammation, known as Achilles tendonitis.

• This condition causes pain and stiffness in the back of your heel, especially when jumping or pushing off.
• Podiatrists can help via physical therapy to strengthen the calf muscles, while orthotics can improve ankle alignment and reduce stress on the Achilles tendon.
• Addressing Achilles tendonitis promptly can prevent a more severe tear from occurring.

Call the friendly staff at My Chicago Foot Expert  (773) 561-8100 or click here to schedule an appointment with Cook County podiatrist Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM, in our modern, comfortable Ravenswood office today.