Whether you’re a professional athlete or play sports just for fun, the demands made on the feet and lower limbs often lead to a range of injuries, including blisters, sprained ankles, torn ligaments, shin splints, knee pain, low back pain and other joint or muscle problems. Similar complaints may include corns, calluses and Athlete’s foot. Many of these injuries may however be prevented with proper footwear.

One in six persons (or 43.1 million people in the U.S.) have foot problems. Thirty-six percent (36%) of this population, moreover, consider their foot problems serious enough to warrant medical attention. The cost of foot surgery to correct foot problems from tight-fitting shoes is $2 billion (USD) a year. If time off from work for the surgery and recovery is included, however, the cost is $3.5 billion (USD). In this regard the necessity of prevention cannot be over stressed.

Orthopedic (supportive extra depth/ width) shoes for basketball players are manufactured with considerable shock absorption and ankle support (especially high tops). Shoes should fit well and be replaced before the soles become smooth, or before the uppers begin to tear or come apart. A typical basketball shoe should also be replaced every two to three months for five days a week worth of play and acrylic socks should be worn to avoid blisters. Basketball shoes should furthermore provide support for lateral movement and extra stability to guard against ankle sprains.

The most important quality to look for in shoes is durable construction that will protect your feet and keep them comfortable. Shoes that do not fit properly can cause bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes and other disabling foot disorders. To prevent twisting injuries, basketball shoes (B) are typically taller and more rigid than running shoes (A).

When purchasing new shoes, here are some tips to help reduce the risk of foot problems:

 Most people have one foot larger than the other so fit new shoes to your largest foot. Also purchase shoes at the end of the day to accommodate for any swelling.

 Have both feet measured every time you purchase shoes because your foot size increases as you get older.

 There should be a half-inch of space from the end of your longest toe to the end of the shoe.

 Basketball requires instant and spontaneous acceleration and deceleration, jumping and lateral motions. To accommodate for this, the shoes must be well cushioned, supportive, stable and allow for flexibility at the ankle and foot joints.

 While a high top shoe will provide ankle support and prevent sprains, you should also opt for a shoe with a thick and stiff sole for added stability while running

Injury prevention is always cheaper, easier and better than post-injury treatment. Follow these precautions and have fun being active.

Be Healthy. Stay Healthy.

Bahamas Foot & Ankle

242-302-4607