TENNIS AND YOUR FEET

Tennis players burn a lot of calories on the court. Their feet get quite a workout, too. The game requires constant movement: forward and backward, side-to-side, running, jumping, lunging, and sometimes stumbling.

Most tennis foot injuries and problems can be prevented. Like all people who play recreational sports, tennis players are at risk for developing overuse injuries such as:

stress fractures
tendonitis
bursitis
ingrown toenails
heel spurs
blisters, bunions, corns, calluses, athlete's foot, and Morton's neuroma

Other problems occurring in any sport that may stress the foot and lower legs are high arches, flat feet, hammertoes, differences in leg length, and muscle tightness. Abnormal shoe wear is a sign of these conditions. Wearing the correct shoes can reduce lower leg and foot stress.

Athletic shoes protect the feet from the stresses of the sport for which they are designed. So when playing tennis, wear shoes made for the sport of tennis. Tennis shoes provide stability for side-to-side movement. They are heavier and stiffer than running shoes and the toes are supported for stop-and-go action. Select tennis shoes based on comfort. Price, brand name, and special features mean nothing if the shoes do not fit comfortably.

Select sport socks that are designed for tennis. They provide additional padding where it is needed and wick away perspiration. When buying new tennis shoes, be sure to try on the socks with the shoes. The sock's extra padding can make a difference in how the shoes fit by half a size. Replacement insoles for shoes can make a similar difference.

Special shoe inserts may correct abnormal foot motion and alignment. They can make foot motion more efficient and correct structural imbalances. They can relieve pain and reduce the risk of foot injury. A foot or bone specialist should prescribe and fit them to your foot.

Remember, the right shoes, socks, and foot care will keep your feet healthy and less prone to injury.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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