Jun
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Leading into the Injury
June 16, 2015 | |
So rupturing my achilles has probably been one of the most depressing things that has happened to me. I was on a good rhythm of playing basketball 2 times a week as well as lifting weights 3 times a week. I just turned 29 so I was beginning to get more health conscious by eating more vegetables, drinking only water, and taking vitamins. Since 27 I’d already been maintaining my body by stretching and foam rolling regularly, but wanted to progress and feel even healthier. My whole life I’ve always been on the skinnier side and finally I was making progress on bulking up and adding muscle weight. After 2-3 months of a solid rhythm of high intensity workouts and a high protein diet, I was able to gain 5-6 pounds of muscle which was spectacular for me.
For the last 10 years of my life I’ve also been playing competitive league basketball. As a skinnier shorter player, I’ve usually been forced to play point guard or shooting guard, even though I’ve always enjoyed playing small forward as I liked playing inside, using post moves and footwork. Actually it was 2 years ago that I trained with a physical trainer and we did a lot of speed and agility workouts which really boosted my foot speed. After that training I really started to use my speed and explosiveness a lot more on the basketball court so I really didn’t mind playing the guard positions. And with the extra muscle weight I was feeling at the top of my game.
It was during a league basketball game on the night of May 11th, 2015 that it happened. The game felt just like any other game, although I did feel a little fatigued as we only had 5 players and no subs on the bench. But just like any other situation, I pushed through it as I really wanted to win the game. It was during the last 6 minutes of the game, when we were up by 8 points and I made an offensive move towards the basket. I drove in and threw up a shot. I knew that I was going to miss, so I followed the shot and tried to grab the offensive rebound. On that attempt to grab the ball, it felt like a sledgehammer had struck the back of my left leg. I wasn’t able to get that high off the ground and landed right back on my feet. As I landed, I crouched down to the floor and noticed that my left foot was numb and that I couldn’t get up. I sat on the floor as the game continued, until I finally had to call a timeout.
I was carried off the court and my team had to continue the game with only 4 players. I watched them lose while also was lying hopelessly on the ground trying to get any sort of response from my injured foot. Because I could not do the gas pedal motion, I knew right then and there that it was an achilles injury.
I kept thinking to myself, “How could this happen?” I was in really good shape. I always stretch and foam roll before playing basketball. I was well warmed up. I was well hydrated. Was it because I’m aging? Was it because of my continued style of exploding to the basket? Was it because I had gained 5-6 lbs and my achilles was working a lot harder? Was it because I didn’t work out my calves enough? Maybe it was all of the above or a combination of a few.
As I embark on this journey towards a full recovery, I look forward to becoming part of this active community.
Comments
7 Comments so far
Derrick,
I definitely feel your pain since I too, ruptured my achilles playing basketball. Ironically, it was towards the end of the game much like you described yours. My injury occurred Dec. 29 of this past year so I am coming up on six months on my injury. I can say the road has not been fun but it’s really not been that bad either. If you’re like me and have trouble being patient, you’re about to learn a good lesson in patience.
I wouldn’t look at the injury as if you had done something improper in how you train or in your other activities. Unfortunately, it’s just like any other injury that can happen to anyone at anytime. Hang in there….things will get better.
My story and timing are very similar. There’s no reason, it was just time. Are you going to give up the game? Sadly, I think I will, but I’m also eternally grateful for the alternatives that are left.
oscillot,
No I’m planning to rehab and work hard to get back to where I was if not get stronger. I may just change the way I play and won’t be as explosive, but use more footwork and work more on my shot. I am a little sad that my better days will be behind me, but I love the game too much to give it up. My compromise is to adjust my style of play to accommodate for an aging body.
I’d highly encourage you to keep playing the game if you really enjoy it. The beauty of basketball is that it’s not a game that requires speed and athleticism, although it helps. Fundamentals, a good shot, and smart play can take a long way (just like Larry Bird).
I’ve been playing hoops since I was 7 and I plan to keep playing even when I’m in my 50s. I hope that this injury only takes time away from the game and not anything physical but we’ll see.
Good for you, Derrick! You’re a stronger man than I am. My love of the game is outweighed by my fear of the wrath of my wife. We have a 2 yr old and one more on the way, and she will KILL me if I put her through this again.
Have you seen Kobe Bryant’s documentary, Muse? It does a pretty good job of showing his recovery. (There’s a link on my last blog post.)
Hey guys, I ruptured mine playing ball also and I think I am done at 41 sadly. I cant go through this again even though I loved to play very much. My wife wouldn’t just kill me, but leave me if this happened again lol. I can still hold it down for some horse or a 3 point contest
…41 and done playing a game I love…that’s the sad reality of fear and consequences
I’m with you on that one eyceman, goodbye Soccer for me too. I may coach at some point hopefully.
It’s funny, i’ve been asked that 3 times in the past few days. “are you done”
each time the reply was, “no, I’m coming back, unless I can’t perform at a similar level.”