As with most sports, basketball is physically demanding. It involves running around the court, shooting, passing, and guarding opponents. However, like other sports, basketball has its common injuries experienced by players. Achilles tendonitis injury is one of the most notorious injuries in basketball. This injury gained its notoriety from shortening players' seasons to forcing retirements; an example is the late Kobe Bryant.
This injury can happen to anyone and is not limited to just professional basketball players; it could happen to anyone going about their daily activities. The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the body: it stretches from the bones in the heel to the muscles in the calf. It connects the heel to the calf muscles and is important for making movements like jumping, standing, and walking. Players rely on this tendon because it aids in making quick directional changes and contributes to explosive motion and stability. This injury happens when parts of the tendon get inflamed due to impact, stress, or overusing it.
The two common types of this condition are Noninsertional Achilles tendinitis which occurs when fibers in the middle of the tendon become thick and swell, and Insertional Achilles tendinitis, where the tendon enters the heel bone in the lower part of the heel. When players have Achilles tendonitis, they experience pain and swelling in the tendon; it would also be difficult to stand on their toes. If the tendon tears, the pain would be severe, with bruising and swelling.
When playing basketball, players are constantly on the move while putting force on their Achilles tendons to propel them upwards or forward. Generally, regular movement on the court does not cause Achilles tendonitis; however, factors like using old shoes, insufficient warm-up, or bad form accumulating over a period can trigger this injury. Another important cause of Achilles tendonitis is age; players 30 and above are at a greater risk because their tendons are less flexible.
When players experience pain in this tendon, medical professionals recommend some treatments to help with the pain and aid their recovery. Controlling the pain is the first treatment; players are usually advised to use the RICE method- rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Players are advised to strengthen their calf muscles when the pain reduces by doing exercises like heel drops and calf stretches. If the pain is severe, injections or surgery may be advised.
The speed of recovery from this injury depends on its severity. Some players can still be active while the injury heals, while some may be completely immobilized. When the injured leg feels as strong as the uninjured leg: there is an absence of pain, and they can move the leg easily; players are then advised to return to their old level of physical activity. It can take almost 12 weeks to see rehabilitation effects and about 20 weeks or more before players can return to full fitness. However, the idea is to heal fully; if not, the injury could be long-lasting.
Players are advised to warm up properly before games to prevent Achilles tendonitis by doing stretches and light jogging. They are also advised to wear the right shoes that are firm enough to offer comfort while supporting their play. In addition, players can wear calf suppression sleeves to prevent micro tears, muscle oscillation, and damage that may occur to the lower leg.
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