Like varied other sports, cricket also experiences its own share of injuries, specific to its ankle and foot. With balls traveling at a tremendous speed and bats flying through the air, it raises the possibility of injuries, even when you are careful.
In this article, let us explore some of the common foot and ankle cricket injuries and their treatment.
- Hamstring Strain:
Around 25% of hamstring injuries are reoccurring, where lack of strength and poor conditioning is to blame. Irrespective of whether you are a great bowler or a wicketkeeper, the hamstrings are arguably the most crucial muscle while playing cricket. The strain takes place when one or more muscles get overload, further leading to strain and even a complete tear.
Treatment:
- Soft tissue massage
- Ice and heat
- Joint mobilization
- Dry needling
- Biomechanical Assessment
- Electrotherapy
- Heel pain:
With the high amount of force when applied to the heel and the front foot hitting the crease, the plantar heel might become injured.
Treatment:
- Apply ice to the heel
- Over the counter pain medications
- Use of a night splint, a special device which stretches the foot while sleeping
- Use of heel lifts or shoe inserts
- Sprained ankles:
Sprained ankles are one of the most common injuries in cricket and are especially prevalent among fast bowlers. The bowlers are likely to stretch the ligaments while the foot is planted during the bowling action. This ankle might give way under the pressure while the foot might get twisted if it does not land properly.
Treatment:
- Resting and elevating the affected ankle while applying ice to combat swelling
- Severe cases, however, need surgery
- Achilles tendon pain:
The action of bowling along with other quick movements required in the field and at the crease leads to placing a high load on the tendon. This can further lead to overuse injuries and the footwear being a contributing factor to the injury. These cause pain to the back of the heel along the thick Achilles tendon.
Treatment:
- Gentle stretching and strengthening of calf muscles
- Wearing a brace in order to prevent heel movement
- A shoe with a built-up heel that takes tension off the Achilles tendon
- Posterior impingement syndrome:
The front foot of fast bowlers will be a lot prone to injury over time, especially due to the torque that the ankle witnesses. Individuals experience pain around the back of the ankle, causing a restriction in motion.
Treatment:
- Soft tissue treatment of FHL
- Surgical correction
Final Thoughts:
These foot and ankle cricket injuries, although are common among cricket players, however, can get quite critical if not treated well. Visit CuraFoot, the leading foot and ankle specialist in Kolkata, to address the injuries from a team of expert professionals.
