Foot and Ankle Injuries in Basketball

Abstract

Basketball has become a popular sport in the United States and across the world. Currently, there are an estimated 450 million basketball participants worldwide. The increase in basketball participation has led to an increase in the incidence of basketball-related injuries. Ankle sprains are the most common injury sustained by basketball players. Other common foot and ankle injuries in basketball include muscle strains, stress fractures, midfoot sprains, and Achilles injuries. Risk factors for sustaining basketball-related injuries include longer basketball schedules, sports specialization, cavovarus foot alignment, and inadequate neuromuscular control. Injury prevention strategies include neuromuscular training, supportive shoe wear, adequate recovery, and multi-sport participation. Long-term outcomes are dependent on the location of injury. Lateral ankle sprains have favorable outcomes while Achilles tendon ruptures have a high rate of failed return to play.