MANAGEMENT AND PREVENTION OF BASKETBALL INJURIES

Preventative measures are important to mitigate injuries. Some preventative measures include: proper warm-up, prophylactic taping and bracing. Neuromuscular and proprioceptive training programs may also be beneficial especially in patients who have recurrent sprains. These methods have been proven to reduce lower extremity injuries by 50%. Prevention can also involve proper foot-wear.

Patients who play basketball should first mitigate modifiable risk factors including: obesity. Effective screening for high risk athletes.

Most ankle sprains result from damage to the lateral ligament structures (anterior talofibular, calcaneofibular and posterior talofibular ligaments.

Management

To appropriately manage any injuries, prompt and accurate diagnosis is crucial. The first step in management would be RICE: rest, ice, compression and elevation.

Functional management of ankle sprains can entail early mobilization, weight-bearing with an external restraint such as a brace and NSAIDs can be helpful.

After the acute phase, physical therapy focusing on muscle strengthening and proprioceptive retraining can be addressed. By following these regimens, patients can resume to their normal activities sooner and have less symptoms.

In regards to ankle instability/sprains peroneal strengthening and lateral heel wedges in orthotics/shoes can aid in the conservative treatment and prevent reinjury.

Brought to you by Doctor John A. Hardy, owner of Toronto's foot clinic, Academy Foot and Orthotic Clinics.