As college basketball moves forward toward March Madness, injuries to the elite college players are more concerning to many basketball programs.  Duke player, Ryan Kelly, suffered a foot injury this week which has him sidelined for an indefinite period of time.  He injured the same foot that he previously had surgery on.  Basketball players are prone to foot and ankle injuries due to the frequent jumping and rapid and speedy movements along the court.  These same type of injuries can happen to any of us that enjoy playing basketball, whether it is a pick up game  or playing in a league.

Before any type of exercise or sport, it is important that you stretch, wear supportive shoes, and have adequate water to remain hydrated during the activity.  If you do injure your foot or ankle during the game, it is important to ice, rest, wrap (ace) your foot or ankle, and elevate.  If the condition does not improve, it is essential that you make a podiatry appointment to make sure that the injury has not caused a fracture/break in a bone or a tear in a ligament of tendon. Conventional x-rays and possibly more advanced imaging may be ordered to determine the extent of the injury.

Dr. Bender is a podiatrist at Advanced Physical Medicine.  She practice at the Oak Park and Chicago/63rd Street locations.  Dr. Bender has been in practice since 2001, and is an instructor at William Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine.  For an appointment, please call, 708-763-0580.