What causes foot pain when playing basketball?

Generally, foot pain during basketball may be caused by ill-fitting shoes, inadequate warm-up before exercise, plantar fasciitis, metatarsal stress fractures, or gouty arthritis. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Ill-fitting shoes: Basketball shoes that are too small or have overly stiff soles can compress and rub against the sole of the foot during movement, leading to uneven pressure and pain. It is important to switch to well-fitted, professional basketball shoes with elastic soles and breathable uppers. Before playing, check the tightness of the shoelaces to avoid excessive pressure on the sole.

2. Inadequate warm-up: Failure to warm up sufficiently can leave the foot muscles and ligaments stiff, increasing the risk of muscle strain during sudden intense activity. A 5–10 minute warm-up routine—such as toe raises, ankle circles, and light jogging—should be performed before exercise to gradually activate soft tissues in the foot and reduce the risk of pain.

3. Plantar fasciitis: Prolonged repetitive jumping and running can overstretch the plantar fascia, causing aseptic inflammation. During basketball play, increased pressure on the sole exacerbates pain, which may be accompanied by morning stiffness in the foot. Patients may use medications such as diclofenac sodium gel, ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, or celecoxib capsules under medical supervision to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

4. Metatarsal stress fracture: Excessive long-term physical activity causes repeated stress on the metatarsal bones, gradually resulting in tiny cracks. Weight-bearing during basketball intensifies the pain and may be accompanied by localized swelling. Patients should cease basketball activities, rest while wearing an arch-supporting brace, and in severe cases, undergo open reduction and internal fixation surgery for metatarsal fractures to restore normal bone structure.

5. Gouty arthritis: Abnormal uric acid metabolism leads to deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints of the foot. Joint stress during basketball irritates these crystals, triggering severe pain, often accompanied by redness, swelling, and heat in the joint. Under medical guidance, patients may take medications such as allopurinol tablets, febuxostat tablets, or benzbromarone tablets to lower uric acid levels. During acute flare-ups, anti-inflammatory drugs may be used in combination to alleviate pain.

In daily basketball practice, it is important to control exercise duration and avoid prolonged single sessions. After exercise, soaking feet in warm water for 10–15 minutes and massaging the foot muscles can promote blood circulation. Toenails should be trimmed regularly to prevent discomfort due to excessive length or shortness.