Basketball Player
Basketball Player with recurrent ankle sprains and lateral ankle instability, self identified “sneaker head”…
Athlete & Injury Overview:
Athlete: 19-year-old college basketball player (guard).
Injury: Recurrent lateral ankle instability, chronic pain and swelling. Hx of chronic ATFL, CFL tears
Biomechanics: Was able to watch videos of play-analysis of jumping, landing, and cutting movements to identify and discuss biomechanical faults with patient. Noted excessive ankle inversion, poor proprioception, high-impact jumping and landing. Hipflexor weakness right side.
Footwear: Currently rotates several pairs for play: Jordan Luka, Lebron Witness, and Nike KD 5.
II. Podiatric Assessment & Treatment:
Assessment: Laxity of the lateral ankle ligaments, positive anterior drawer and talar tilt tests, decreased proprioception, MRI: lateral ligament tears.
Treatment: Physical therapy (proprioceptive training, strengthening), bracing during games, custom orthotics with spring heel cushion integrated.
Timeline: 4 weeks rehabilitation, gradual return to full practice and game play.
III. Product Innovation & Recommendations:
Footwear: Continue to wear whatever basketball shoes he likes-the Luka’s are what he plays games in but if I could tailor design there would be subtle enhanced lateral support, external ankle bracing integration possibilities within the shoe. Or create a little more depth so these items can be worn comfortable for players who need correction with a goal injury prevention.
Orthotics:
Custom orthotics with a lateral heel wedge, deep heel cup, and rearfoot posting to limit inversion. Materials: Polypropylene with reinforced composite materials for increased stability and EVA high resilience foam integrated for heel and forefoot cushioning.
Management: Ankle bracing during practice and games, proper warm-up and cool-down routines, preventative taping. Advanced proprioceptive training using balance boards and perturbation exercises, biomechanical analysis of landing mechanics.
IV. Performance & Prevention:
Return: Gradual return to play, bracing during games.
Prevention: Ongoing proprioceptive training, ankle bracing, proper landing mechanics, orthotic use.
Performance: Enhanced ankle stability for improved agility and reduced risk of re-injury.
Longterm: Age old issue with cutting sports including basketball, with enough proprioceptive training and investment in proper shoe gear when on the court and off--patient has good trajectory.