Here at our Long Island podiatry practice, we love watching the New York Knicks in the NBA playoffs. But we’re also watching the NBA injury report with great interest. And right now, we’re particularly interested in how one basketball ankle injury will impact the rest of this year’s season. Here’s what you need to know.
One Ankle Injury, an Entire NBA Playoffs ![An birds eye view of Madison Square garden's New York Knicks basketball court]()
Currently, the Knicks are battling the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round of the playoffs. At the same time, Sixers star Joel Embiid is battling ankle problems. (Specifically, a sprained right ankle, along with hip soreness.) Already, his injuries took him out of Game 2 in the series. And, in that game, the Knicks pulled off a narrow, 108-102 victory. Now, fans are left wondering how that injury will impact the remaining games in the series, as well as the overall outcome of the NBA playoffs.
Unfortunately, injuries are very common in the NBA—and for anyone who plays basketball. But what are the most common basketball injuries? And how can you protect yourself or the athletes in your life? Check out these tips from Massapequa podiatrists Dr. Mark Gasparini and Dr. Novneet Chhabra.
Ankle Injuries and Other Basketball Problems
These are some of the most common injuries affecting NBA playoffs and other basketball players:
Heel and Arch Pain
Plantar fasciitis, causing arch pain and heel pain, is a common problem for basketball players. Caused by inflammation in your plantar fascia, a thick ligament running from the heel bone to the toes, this condition starts as an intermittent problem, causing pain that’s worst in the morning, when you first get out of bed. But without intervention, the pain can become chronic and worsen dramatically, taking players out of the game for days or weeks at a time.
Jones Fracture
This injury describes a fracture at the base of the 5th metatarsal bone. It if often associated with an ankle twist; as your tendon tugs at this small bone, the pressure can lead to cracking. Then, because the 5th metatarsal bone receives limited blood flow, the injury can be hard to heal, often forcing players to undergo surgery. A common problem in the NBA playoffs and during the regular season, starts like Kevin Durant have had to deal with Jones fractures and their impact on the game.
Pain in Your Toe
Some basketball players experience discomfort that can’t be linked to one specific moment or injury. That was the case for the Memphis Grizzlies’ Scotty Pippen Jr., who’s had to sit out several NBA games due to toe pain. (Ultimately, he had surgery to remove his sesamoid bone, a small, round bone in the ball of your foot that is directly connected to big toe mobility.)
Achilles Tendon Injuries
Many NBA players deal with Achilles tendonitis pain, due to the ongoing pressure that results from all of the game’s running and jumping. Treating Achilles tendonitis and taking a break from basketball while you recover is crucial; if you push yourself too far while the tendon is inflamed, it could rupture, leaving you with no path to recovery outside of surgery.
Ankle Injuries
Basketball players have to move quickly up and down the court. Often, they have to change directions abruptly, and that sudden movement often leads to twisting motions that result in ankle sprains or fractures. (After all, one of the highest compliments you can pay an NBA player is to say that he broken another player’s ankles!) Factor in the pressure to play on a sprained or strained ankle, and you can understand why even an old ankle injury could change the outcome of the entire NBA playoffs.
Preventing a Basketball Ankle Injury
Often, we can help athletes protect their ankles to prevent mid-game sports injuries. First, we recommend wearing sport-specific athletic shoes. (Basketball players will typically do well with high-top sneakers that provide additional ankle support.) Next, we may also evaluate you for custom orthotic devices. These medical-grade, customized inserts optimize your foot function and biomechanics to help prevent injuries of all kinds. And, as an added bonus, they can even improve your overall athletic performance!
Sports Podiatrist on Long Island
Not every basketball injury is preventable. Due to the speed and intensity of the game, even stars like Joel Embiid fall prey to an ankle injury, despite having access to the available trainers and sports podiatrists. Have you or a loved one suffered a sports injury and don’t want to miss out on your next game? Whether you’re a star missing the NBA playoffs, or just a weekend warrior enjoying competitive pick-up games, we have to beg you: please, don’t try to play through the pain. Instead, contact our office by calling 516-804-9038 or by following this link to request an appointment. When you come in for your visit, we’ll evaluate your injury and come up with a treatment plan to get you back into action as soon as it’s safe for you to do so!