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Can you play basketball with plantar fasciitis? Causes and Symptoms!!!

Playing basketball can be an enjoyable experience, but it can also be a painful one if you’re dealing with a condition such as plantar fasciitis. When the question comes Can you play basketball with plantar fasciitis? Then you should know that Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot from your heel to your toes.

It can be severely painful and prevent you from walking comfortably, let alone playing basketball. Because your whole heel and arch constantly ache.

Fortunately, with proper treatment and the right precautions, it is possible to recover from this condition. As it’s quite common in basketball players, there’s no reason for you to worry too much. Let’s look at what are the causes before you can tackle past this heel pain!

Can You Play Basketball with Plantar Fasciitis?

While you can play basketball with plantar fasciitis for a short period, it’s not recommended to do so. Because continuing to play with a sore and painful foot can lead to severe injuries.

If you really have to play basketball in such conditions, you need to maintain some precautions. These precautions may include wearing shoes designed to provide arch support and cushioning, stretching before and after playing, and taking regular breaks.

It is also important to listen to your body and pay attention to any pain or inflammation. If the pain becomes too severe, it is best to stop playing and seek immediate treatment.

Causes and Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is caused by overuse or strain on the plantar fascia. The extensive use of the arch of your foot in basketball leads to small tears and creates inflammation. It can also be caused by wearing shoes that do not provide enough support or arch support.

Here are some common reasons for your feet to encounter this unbearable phenomenon-

Excessive Sprinting: Prolonged running without taking breaks can cause the flat ligament on your feet to tear over time.
High arches or flat feet: People with high arches or flat feet may be more prone to developing plantar fasciitis. The players with this type of foot shape retain extra pressure on their fascia.
Worn-out or ill-fitting shoes: Wearing shoes that are worn out or do not provide proper support can also contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis. Basketball players who use too tight or too loose shoes can fall victim to this condition.
Inadequate Stretching or Warm-ups: It’s very important to stretch before every game and forgetting to do so can result in tight and rigid ligament and muscle movement. That causes the condition in the lion’s share of the affected players.

Now, the question is, “How can you know if you have plantar fasciitis?”. Check out these symptoms and relate them to your current foot condition-

Pain in the heel: The most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is a pain in the heel, especially when taking the first steps in the morning or after a period of sitting. The pain may also be felt when standing or walking for long periods.
Stiffness & Swelling: Players with plantar fasciitis may also experience stiffness in the heel or foot. Some even notice swelling and inflammation in the arch of the foot.
Tenderness: The area of the heel or arch where the plantar fascia attaches may be tender to the touch.
Limping: Pain can be severe enough that people limp or change their gait.

How to Treat the Pain of Playing Basketball?

There are many ways to recover from this common phenomenon if it’s not chronic. Here are the best treatments to adopt when faced with plantar fasciitis–

Rest: While it may seem obvious, resting is the best thing to do. It’s paramount that you don’t endure unwanted pain just to damage your foot permanently. Try to rest whenever you can so that your foot can heal from the pain.
Right Shoes: Always play with shoes that offer perfect arch support and footing. Often than not, players don’t use the proper-sized shoes which can affect their footing and heel. So, getting a good pair of shoes is critical.
Ice: Applying ice to the heel or foot can also help to reduce inflammation and pain. It’s recommended to apply ice for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
Physical therapy: Stretching can also be beneficial for treating plantar fasciitis. A therapist can teach you exercises to strengthen the muscles in the foot and leg and help to improve flexibility in the calf muscles and plantar fascia.
Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help to reduce inflammation and pain.

In some cases, Surgery may be recommended, but it is usually only considered when other treatments have failed.

Conclusion

To summarize everything, always remember to take care of your foot as plantar fasciitis is relatively common among basketball players. While it’s tough to play basketball with this condition, you can still do so by taking the necessary precautions.

The best advice for plantar fasciitis is to take proper rest and give your foot time to heal. Otherwise, you will face severe consequences that can cut off basketball from your life.

Follow the blog to know the Best Basketball Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis.

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