When it comes to sports, few bring the same level of engagement, teamwork, and intense physical activity like basketball. Cardio, strength, agility, and specific skills like dribbling, pivoting, and jumping make basketball a real physical workout. It’s somewhat surprising that basketball is similar in many ways to pickleball, a racquet sport that combines elements of tennis, table tennis, and badminton. Like basketball, pickleball is incredibly popular in Florida. Also, like basketball, the intense bursts of physicality can lead to foot and ankle injuries.
If you play either of these sports at any level, the risk of injury is ever-present. Maintaining your performance and ability to enjoy the sports you love is a priority. Talk to your foot doctor Boynton Beach if you suspect any of the conditions listed below.
Ankle Strain
Both pickleball and basketball come with a high risk of ankle strain. Although this condition isn’t serious, it can cause discomfort and the ankle could be weakened if you don’t seek treatment from your foot doctor Boynton Beach.
Ankle strain includes minor tearing or stretching of a muscle or tendon. Redness and swelling are two giveaway symptoms of a strained ankle. You will typically experience discomfort when flexing or rotating, but mobility will be minimally impacted.
If icing, elevation, and compression don’t treat an ankle strain in a matter of days, foot and ankle doctors Boynton Beach can provide relief and treatment.
Sprained Ankle Injuries
A sprained ankle is more serious than a simple strain, but most healthy people will quickly recover from this kind of injury. A sprain is caused by significant stretching or tearing of ligaments in the ankle. Intense pain is felt when the sprain occurs and is followed by swelling, bruising, and limited movement. You may hear a popping sound when the injury occurs.
If you suspect a sprained ankle, you need to visit foot and ankle doctors Boynton Beach as soon as possible. Without the right treatment and a rehabilitation plan, it could take longer to heal the ankle and reach your level of peak performance. Spraining an ankle over and over again can cause chronic problems with instability that may require corrective surgery.
To limit the chance of long term complications and future injury, talk to your foot doctor Boynton Beach.
Achilles Tendon Rupture
Because of the sudden bursts of intense movement in both pickleball and basketball, Achilles tendon ruptures are relatively common.
This injury occurs at the back of the lower leg. The Achilles connects the heel bone to the calf muscle. It is the thickest tendon in the body. Complete and partial tears occur when the tendon is stretched beyond its capacity.
Forceful pivoting and sudden acceleration can cause a rupture. Jumping or landing awkwardly may also cause this issue.
If you develop swelling at the back of the ankle or around the lower calf, pain in the same area, or find it difficult to walk, you could be suffering from Achilles Tendinitis. If you suddenly experience pain in the same region during exercise and hear a snapping sound, a severe rupture may have occurred.
Don’t take your ankle health for granted. Contact your foot doctor Boynton Beach for a complete consultation and examination.
Stress Fractures
Repetitive force and stress on a bone can cause small cracks. These can occur when you ramp up exercise without conditioning, or if you frequently engage in running and jumping sports. As you can imagine, stress fractures are common in basketball and pickleball.
This type of injury comes with dull pain in the area where the fracture has developed. Treatment usually involves rest and supportive devices like crutches or a special boot to hasten recovery.
More than 200,000 Americans develop stress fractures every year. Talk to your foot and ankle doctors Boynton Beach if you’re experiencing pain or discomfort.
Don’t Guess When it Comes to Your Health – Contact Your Foot Doctor Boynton Beach to Treat Injuries
Dr Jason Gold and Dr. Jodi Schoenhaus are available to assist you with any sports-related pain, Injuries, swelling, numbness, and discomfort. At the Foot, Ankle, & Leg Vein Center, you’ll enjoy swift and accurate diagnosis followed by effective treatment that is tailored to your needs.
Contact our practice today to make an appointment and enjoy the most advanced foot and ankle care in South Florida.
