With March Madness starting to dominate the airwaves, you may be stepping up your own activities on the court. Now, that could lead to improvements in your game, but it could also take a toll on your foot health—and it may be hard to determine exactly why. You see, if your feet hurt after basketball, there could be several reasons for the pain. First, you could be wearing the wrong shoes—either for the game or for your foot shape. But you could also be dealing with an overuse or acute injury. So, how can you tell what’s causing your foot pain after basketball? Here’s what you need to know.
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Is it normal for feet to hurt after basketball play?
No, foot pain is not normal, and it’s almost always a sign of one or more problems that need correcting. But as we mentioned above, that foot pain could be caused by one of several concerns. And that’s why we need to work together to figure out what’s making your feet sore after basketball. A sports injury podiatrist can evaluate your pain, biomechanics, and activity level to identify and treat the root cause of your discomfort.
Why do my feet hurt after playing basketball
If your feet hurt after playing any sport, including basketball, it could be because you aren’t wearing shoes designed to support that specific activity. Powder Springs podiatrist Dr. Alvin Cowans always recommends choosing sport-specific shoes to reduce the risk of injury. And, when it comes to basketball, you should look for shoes with high-tops that support your ankles, even when you have to make quick cuts or directional changes.
Now, even if you’re wearing basketball shoes, you could still experience foot pain after a game. That’s because if you have high-arched or flat feet, or if you suffer from biomechanical weaknesses, you may need additional support. In these cases, a custom orthotics podiatrist can evaluate your foot structure and recommend orthotics tailored to your needs—helping to prevent pain after playing basketball and improve overall foot function.
But keep this in mind also: when you have sore feet after basketball, it could be a sign of a sports injury. Common concerns include:
Plantar Fasciitis
The repetitive motion involved in running down the court or jumping for the ball can put pressure on your plantar fascia, the band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot. That leads to inflammation, or even small tears in the tissue. Over time, you will start to experience heel pain and arch pain—after athletic activities, but also when you’re just trying to move through your day.
Achilles Tendonitis
The same movements that inflame your plantar fascia can cause inflammation in the Achilles tendon, leading to pain in the back of your leg or the back of your heel, right where the tendon connects your heel to your calf muscles. If you don’t treat tendinitis, you could experience an Achilles tendon rupture, so seeking medical attention is very important if you have any kind of Achilles tendon pain.
Morton's Neuroma
The impact of jumping and landing on hard surfaces can cause an enlargement of the nerve between your third and fourth toes, a condition known as Morton’s neuroma. Some people describe this condition saying it feels like there’s a pebble stuck in their shoes. Others experience, sharp ball of foot pain, tingling, or numbness.
Ankle Sprains and Fractures
If you roll or overstretch your ankle and you have pain after playing basketball, you could have suffered an ankle sprain or fracture. Since symptoms of the two injuries may be similar, the best way to get an accurate diagnosis is to come into the office for an x-ray that will detect or rule out a broken bone.
Should I ice my feet after basketball?
If you believe you’ve sustained an ankle injury during sports play, icing the affected area may help reduce pain and swelling. But if pain doesn’t improve within a day or two, you’ll need to see our podiatrist. Lingering pain, swelling and difficulty bearing weight likely indicates an injury that will require medical attention in order to ensure proper healing.
Is basketball bad for your feet?
Basketball isn’t bad for your feet. But if your feet hurt after basketball, that’s a sign that you aren’t taking the proper precautions to prevent foot and ankle injuries. And that means you need to listen to your body and take action by switching up your foot gear; adding supportive orthotics; changing your training to reduce overuse injuries; or seeing Dr. Cowans to resolve chronic pain or treat acute injuries.
What to do when your feet hurt after basketball
If you experience foot pain after playing basketball—or any sport—it’s important to stop, take a rest and avoid training through the pain. While missing even one game can feel like a major loss, if you ignore the warning signs from your body, a minor problem can become a major injury that will keep you benched for months.
