Understanding & Preventing Ankle Injuries in Netball

Understanding & Preventing Ankle Injuries in Netball

December 28th

Netball is a sport that demands agility, precision, and quick movements. However, the fast-paced nature of the game also increases the risk of injuries, with ankle injuries being one of the most common among netball players. In this blog post, we’ll explore the impact of ankle injuries in netball and shed light on how osteopathy can play a crucial role in both treatment and prevention.

Understanding Ankle Injuries in Netball:

Common Ankle Injuries:

• • Sprains: Overstretching or tearing of ligaments.
  • Strains: Injuries to muscles and tendons.
  • Fractures: Breaks in the bones of the ankle.

Common causes of Ankle Injuries in Netball:

1. • Sudden direction changes.
   • Landing awkwardly after a jump.
   • Collisions with other players.
   • Overuse and repetitive stress.

Osteopathy and Ankle Injury Management:

Osteopaths employ a multifaceted approach to ankle injuries, encompassing holistic assessment, manual therapy, exercise rehabilitation, and attention to improving posture and biomechanics.

• Holistic Assessment: Osteopaths take a comprehensive approach to assess not only the injured ankle but also the overall musculoskeletal system. This allows them to identify any underlying issues contributing to the injury.
• Manual Therapy: Osteopathic manual techniques, such as soft tissue massage, joint mobilisation, and stretching exercises, can help reduce pain, inflammation, and muscle tension around the ankle.
• Exercise Rehab: Osteopaths prescribe specific exercises to strengthen the ankle, improve stability, and enhance proprioception. This is crucial for preventing future injuries and ensuring a complete recovery.
• Posture and Biomechanics: Osteopathy addresses any imbalances in posture or biomechanics that may contribute to ankle injuries. By optimising body mechanics, players can reduce the risk of recurrent injuries.

Preventing Ankle Injuries in Netball:

Considering the frequent incidence and recurrence of ankle injuries in netball, prioritising preventive strategies is crucial to reduce injury risk and ensure the well-being of players on the court.

• Warm-Up Routine: A proper warm-up is essential to prepare the muscles and ligaments for the demands of netball. Dynamic stretches and exercises can increase flexibility and blood flow.
• Footwear and Support: Choosing the right footwear with proper ankle support can significantly reduce the risk of injuries. Osteopaths can provide guidance on selecting the most suitable shoes.
• Conditioning Programs: Osteopaths work with players to develop customised conditioning programs that target specific areas of weakness or imbalance, minimising the risk of injuries during play.

 

In the fast-paced sport of netball, ankle injuries are a common concern, demanding both effective treatment and proactive prevention. If you’re experiencing persistent ankle sprains (or any other sports-related injuries!), come in and see one of the team at Kinematics for an individualised assessment, tailored treatment and a comprehensive injury management plan.

By Taylah Brown

Osteopath

Taylah currently plays in the Championship division of the Victorian Netball League for Boroondara Express. She has also played in multiple underage and open state and national representative teams and squads most recently representing Victorian Fury at the Australian Netball Championships as vice-captain.

You can book an appointment with Taylah here.