Understanding the risks to keep players on the court
Netball is a fast-paced, high-impact sport that demands quick directional changes, jumping, and sudden stops. While it’s excellent for cardiovascular fitness and team coordination, it’s also notorious for placing significant stress on the lower limbs—particularly the foot and ankle. Understanding the most common injuries in this area can help players, coaches, and parents take proactive steps in prevention and recovery.
- Ankle Sprains
One of the most frequent injuries in netball is the lateral ankle sprain. This usually occurs when the foot rolls inwards after landing awkwardly or stepping on another player’s foot. The ligaments on the outside of the ankle can become overstretched or torn. While some sprains may seem minor, inadequate rehabilitation can lead to chronic instability, making re-injury more likely. - Achilles Tendinopathy
Due to the repeated jumping and sprinting, the Achilles tendon—the thick band connecting the calf muscles to the heel—can become overused. Achilles tendinopathy often starts as a dull ache or stiffness, particularly in the morning or at the beginning of activity. Without early intervention, it can progress to a more debilitating condition that limits performance. - Plantar Fasciitis
This condition involves irritation of the plantar fascia, a strong band of tissue running along the arch of the foot. Players may experience sharp pain in the heel, especially with the first few steps after rest. Poor footwear, overtraining, or biomechanical issues like flat feet can contribute to this condition. - Stress Fractures
The repetitive impact on hard surfaces, particularly during intense training periods, can lead to small cracks in the bones of the foot—commonly the metatarsals. Stress fractures present as persistent, localized pain that worsens with activity and eases with rest. Prompt diagnosis is crucial to avoid complete fractures. - Turf Toe
This sprain of the big toe joint often results from pushing off the foot with excessive force. Though it may sound minor, turf toe can cause significant pain and limit a player’s ability to pivot or accelerate.
Prevention and Recovery
Good-quality, sport-specific footwear, strength and balance training, and proper warm-ups can reduce the risk of injury. If an injury does occur, early assessment by a sports podiatrist ensures the correct diagnosis and management, facilitating a safe and speedy return to play.
Netball is a wonderful sport and being injury-aware is key to enjoying it safely and staying active long-term.