With the Australian Open lighting up Melbourne, it’s no surprise that many locals are feeling inspired to pick up a racquet and hit the courts. Tennis is an incredible sport for fitness, agility and coordination, but it also places significant demands on your feet and ankles.
Our Sports Podiatrist Mitchell often sees an increase in tennis related foot injuries at this time of year, particularly among beginners and returning players. Understanding how tennis impacts your feet and choosing the right footwear can help you stay pain free and enjoy the game for longer.
How Tennis Impacts Your Feet
Tennis involves sudden stops, explosive starts, rapid changes in direction and long periods playing on hard court surfaces. These movements can place repetitive stress through the feet, ankles and lower limbs, especially if your footwear or foot mechanics aren’t ideal.
Common Tennis Foot and Ankle Injuries
Some of the most common foot conditions we see in tennis players include:
Plantar Fasciitis
Heel and arch pain caused by overload of the plantar fascia, often linked to poor arch support or a rapid increase in playing time.
Ankle Sprains
Quick lateral movements and uneven landings make ankle sprains a frequent tennis injury, particularly for new players.
Blisters and Skin Irritation
Friction, heat and moisture inside shoes can quickly lead to painful blisters during matches or training.
Stress Fractures
Repeated impact on hard courts can cause small cracks in the bones of the foot, especially if training volume increases too quickly.
Achilles Tendinopathy
Explosive push offs and sprinting place high loads through the Achilles tendon, leading to stiffness and pain if not managed properly.
Choosing the Right Tennis Shoe
One of the biggest mistakes new tennis players make is wearing running shoes or general trainers on the court. Tennis shoes are specifically designed to handle the side to side demands of the sport.
When choosing a tennis shoe, look for the following features:
Court Surface Compatibility
Hard court tennis shoes are best for Australian conditions and offer durability and grip suited to abrasive surfaces.
Cushioning
Adequate cushioning helps absorb shock from repeated jumping and sprinting on hard courts.
Lateral Support
Strong sidewall support and a secure fit help prevent excessive foot movement and reduce the risk of ankle injuries.
Arch Support
Good midfoot support can reduce strain on the plantar fascia and help control excessive pronation.
Correct Fit
There should be enough room for toe movement without slipping. A thumb’s width between your longest toe and the end of the shoe is a good guide.
Foot Care Tips for Tennis Season
Whether you’re new to tennis or returning after a break, these simple strategies can help protect your feet:
Warm Up and Stretch
A proper warm up improves flexibility and reduces injury risk, particularly in the calves, ankles and feet.
Gradually Increase Playing Time
Avoid going from zero to multiple sessions a week too quickly. Your feet need time to adapt to new loads.
Consider Orthotics
Custom orthotics can improve foot alignment, reduce overload and provide extra support inside tennis shoes.
Stay Hydrated
Hydration supports muscle function and reduces cramping, which can affect foot and ankle stability.
See a Sports Podiatrist Early
Addressing minor aches early can prevent them from turning into long term injuries.
Inspired by the Australian Open?
The Australian Open is famously tough on players’ bodies, particularly their feet. Professional players work closely with Sports Podiatrists and physiotherapists to manage load, footwear and recovery throughout the tournament.
Players such as Alex De Minaur, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have all spoken about the importance of foot health, footwear choice and custom insoles in maintaining performance on hard courts.
For everyday players inspired by the Australian Open, the same principles apply. Looking after your feet can improve comfort, performance and longevity on the court.
Ready to Hit the Court?
If you’re thinking of taking up tennis or you’ve recently started playing and are experiencing foot pain, a Sports Podiatry assessment can make a huge difference.
Book online or call us on 9480 4935 to see our Sports Podiatrist Mitch in Thornbury and get your feet court ready this tennis season.