Shooting for Health: Common Basketball Injuries of the Foot & Ankle

Asha Curry • March 24, 2023

Shooting for Health: Common Basketball Injuries of the Foot and Ankle


If you're a basketball player, you know that the sport can be tough on your feet and ankles. From sprains to stress fractures, there are a variety of foot and ankle injuries that can sideline you.

 

Some of these injuries include:

 

·        Ankle sprains - Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries in basketball. They occur when the ligaments in your ankle are stretched or torn, often by a sudden twist or turn of the ankle. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and bruising. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the ligaments and tendons that support the ankle joint.

 

·        Plantar fasciitis - Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the bottom of your foot, particularly in the heel area. It's often caused by overuse, which is common in basketball. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove damaged tissue and relieve symptoms.

 

·        Stress fractures - Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bone that develop from overuse. They're common in basketball players, particularly in the foot and ankle. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. Treatment typically involves rest and immobilization, but surgery may be necessary in rare cases.

 

·        Achilles tendon rupture - The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body! It connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, and it can rupture or tear during a sudden movement or from overuse. Surgery is typically required to repair the tendon and restore normal function.

 

·        Lisfranc (midfoot) injury - A Lisfranc injury is a fracture or dislocation of the bones and/or ligaments in the middle of the foot. It is often caused by a sudden twisting motion or direct trauma to the foot. Treatment for a Lisfranc injury typically involves immobilization in a cast or walking boot, and in some cases, surgery may be necessary to realign the bones and repair the ligaments.

 

Other (nonsurgical) treatments for these conditions may include:

·        Rest and ice

·        Physical therapy

·        Immobilization with a brace or cast

·        Anti-inflammatory medication

·        Orthotics to help support the foot and ankle

·        Injections of corticosteroids or platelet-rich plasma to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

 

At MJ Taranto Foot and Ankle Podiatric Surgeons, we're committed to helping our patients recover from these and many other injuries.

 

If you're dealing with an injury of the foot or ankle, don't wait to seek treatment. The sooner you get help, the better your chances of a full recovery.

 

Contact MJ Taranto Foot and Ankle Podiatric Surgeons today on 9250 1676 to schedule an appointment or click the link to book online.

 

 

In 2023 we are proud to support the Eastern Suns (Kalamunda and Districts Basketball Association).

The Nail That Wouldn’t Behave – A Story About Ingrown Toenails

By Asha Curry • September 2, 2025
Meet Jack. He’s 14, loves soccer, and spends most afternoons running around the pitch with his mates. But for the last couple of years, he’s been hobbling more than sprinting. The culprit? A troublesome toenail on his big toe that has become so painful and embarrassing that he no longer wants to take his socks off in front of his friends. At first, Jack shrugged it off. “It’s just a bit sore,” he told his mum. But soon, the toe became red, swollen, and tender to even the lightest touch. Wearing his footy boots felt like stepping on a Lego brick every time he moved. Then the tissue around the toe started to get bigger and would bleed whenever it was knocked. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Ingrown toenails are incredibly common in kids and adolescents — often thanks to active lifestyles, tight shoes, or nails that just grow in awkward shapes. Adults aren’t immune either — anyone can get them. The good news? This is not something you have to put up with. Step one is usually conservative care from your podiatrist. We can gently remove the offending nail edge, reduce inflammation, and give you tips to stop it from coming back — like proper nail trimming techniques and footwear advice. But sometimes, as in Jack’s case, the nail problem keeps coming back to cause trouble and the tissue inflammation is too much to benefit from non-surgical measures. That’s when we can offer some surgical solutions. This can range from a simple surgical procedure, done under local anaesthetic, to a more invasive procedure which is usually done as a day procedure in a day surgery or hospital. As Jack’s problem was recurrent, we suggested a more permanent procedure to remove the sections of nail and skin that were problematic, under general anaesthetic (Jack was asleep and had no pain). Jack had the surgery. Three weeks later, he was back on the field, scoring goals without a second thought about his toe. His mum says the only regret was not getting it sorted sooner. If you or your child are dealing with a stubborn, sore toenail, remember: you don’t have to live with it. There is a definitive solution — and we’re here to help you find it. 

Walking on Eggshells: Jane's Story

By Asha Curry • May 6, 2025
When Jane turned 58, she started noticing a bump forming on the side of her big toe. At first, it didn’t bother her much — just a little rubbing in her shoes. But over time, her bunion got bigger, and her second toe started curling upwards. It wasn’t long before even short walks became painful. She thought the pain was “just part of getting older,” but her knees and hips had started aching too. Why? Because her body was compensating for her sore feet. Jane's gait (the way she walked) had changed, putting extra pressure on other joints. She also started feeling less steady on her feet, especially when barefoot or in slippers. Finding shoes was another challenge — nothing seemed to fit comfortably anymore. Fashion took a back seat to function, and even then, her shoes still hurt by the end of the day. Eventually, Jane reached out for help. What Are Bunions and Hammer Toes? Bunions are bony bumps at the base of the big toe that cause the toe to shift out of alignment. Hammer toes are bent, curled toes that can develop from the pressure caused by bunions or from muscle imbalances. Both conditions can cause pain, difficulty walking, and trouble finding shoes that fit. What Can Be Done? Thankfully, Jane had options. Non-surgical treatment included: - Custom orthoses (prescription shoe inserts) to support her feet and reduce pressure. - Footwear advice to help find supportive, comfortable shoes. - Stretching and strengthening exercises to help improve balance and foot function. In some cases these options are not enough to provide symptom relief, and in Jane’s case, she explored surgical correction as her activities of daily living were being affected. Our Podiatric Surgeons explained the procedure clearly, and helped Jane understand how surgery could relieve pain, correct the deformity, and help her walk comfortably again. Ready to Take the First Step? If your feet are holding you back like Jane’s were, let’s talk. ✅ Book an appointment with one of our non-surgical podiatrists for a full assessment and personalised treatment plan. ✅ Or, if you’d like to explore surgical options, you can book a consultation with one of our Podiatric Surgeons, Julie Taranto or Michael Taranto.