Fancy Footwork for Basketball and Hockey Players
At NY Foot Health, we know winter has its own unique appeal for athletes. Two sports that are particularly popular at this time of the year are basketball and ice hockey. Below are some tips for protecting your feet and ankles as you enjoy these sports.
Basketball
Basketball is one of the toughest sports on your feet and ankles. There are a number of factors that contribute to this:
It’s played on a hardwood floor.
All the running up and down the court and jumping exert considerable repetitive impact and strain on the feet.
Sudden twisting, turning and side-to-side movement puts ankles at risk for injury.
As a result, a wide range of injuries are associated with basketball including: ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, Jones fractures, sesamoiditis, and stress fractures.
Tips for protection:
Make sure basketball shoes are well-made and fit appropriately. Shoes for this sport should have extra midsole cushioning, firm arch support, excellent shock absorption, and good traction. The heel counter should fit snugly, and the toe box should be roomy. If you have weak ankles or have suffered previous ankle injuries, choose a high-top style for extra support.
Strength and conditioning exercises should be part of your regular workout and training plan.
Always stretch and warm up before playing.
Ice Hockey
Ice hockey injuries are most often the result of collisions on the ice or the affects of wearing the skates themselves. High ankles sprains and fractures are common injuries. Ice skates present their own unique challenges to the feet and ankles. A condition known as Haglund’s deformity can be particularly aggravated by ice skates. A bony enlargement at the back of the heel can become inflamed when a stiff shoe or skate back presses against it. This condition is also known as “pump bump” because stiff pumps can have the same effect. Hockey players are also susceptible to Lace Bite. This occurs when the tongue of the ice skate presses too tightly against the tendon that connects your tibia to your big toe. It can be excruciatingly painful and can sideline you from the game.
Tips for protection:
Skate fit is key. Skates that are too big or too small are more likely to cause a problem.
Lace skates appropriately without pulling them too tight.
Don’t use skates that are past their prime—the deterioration of padding can cause pain and injury.
Always stretch and warm up before starting to play.
If you experience pain while playing basketball or ice hockey it’s essential that you stop playing and get your feet examined by your podiatrist as soon as possible. If you don’t have a foot doctor currently, use our online directory to help you find a foot doctor in your area.
To learn more about how to protect your feet and ankles from sports injuries, contact us and subscribe to our free e-newsletter.