Tennis is an exciting sport that requires quick and sudden movements, including side-to-side motions and stopping and starting quickly. This makes it quite challenging and strenuous on the feet, leading to a high risk of foot and ankle injuries for both professional and amateur tennis players. Some of the most common injuries experienced by tennis players include ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and tennis toe. If you suffer from persistent pain in your foot or ankle, it’s essential to seek treatment right away to avoid further damage.
At our office, Dr Gilbert Huang DPM can provide a proper evaluation and recommend an effective treatment plan to relieve your pain and prevent future injuries. However, prevention is always the best remedy. One of the most effective ways to prevent foot injuries from tennis is to take proper care of yourself by maintaining good overall body strength and flexibility. Regularly stretching your muscles, particularly your calves, before, during, and after playing tennis, is also critical.
Another important aspect of preventing tennis-related foot injuries is wearing the right shoes. Tennis shoes are designed to provide adequate cushioning and shock absorption to manage the forces and impacts of the game effectively. Runners or other types of shoes, for example, don’t have the durability and support necessary for the lateral movements involved in tennis. A high-quality pair of tennis shoes will have padding at the ball of the foot, wiggle room in the toe box, sturdy sides, a low and well-cushioned heel that is not flared, and firm heel support.
When shopping for tennis shoes, be sure to try them on with the socks you usually wear, maintain proper fitting by visiting the store near the end of the day when your feet are swollen, and walk around the store to feel the level of support and flexibility they provide. Additionally, test the shoes by jumping up and down and making fast turns to ensure their stability.
Finally, by playing on clay or crushed stone courts, you’ll enjoy some added safety benefits as these surfaces tend to allow for sliding, which can help reduce the risk of injuries. Not all courts are created equal, and the type of court you play on could significantly impact the likelihood of foot injuries. Asphalt, concrete, rubberized, or carpeted courts often don’t permit sliding and therefore may not be as foot-friendly as clay or crushed stone courts.
In conclusion, tennis can be a great sport but can also lead to foot and ankle injuries. To avoid these types of injuries, it’s vital to condition yourself to maintain good body strength and flexibility, wear proper tennis shoes, and select safe playing surfaces. If you’re experiencing recurring pain or discomfort, please schedule an appointment with Dr Gilbert Huang DPM for evaluation and treatment right away. With proper treatment and preventative measures, you can continue enjoying the game of tennis without foot pain or injury.