Pickleball’s explosive popularity is undeniable. But with all that pivoting, lunging, and stopping on a dime, foot and ankle injuries are bound to sideline even the most enthusiastic players. That’s where the team at My Chicago Foot Expert steps in!
In the blog below, we’ll explore some common pickleball injuries and how to keep your feet fit for conquering the court. Let’s get to it!
From Court Impact to Foot Woes: The Link
Pickleball courts are typically hard surfaces. That, and the constant starting, stopping, and changing direction, tends to put significant stress on your feet and ankles. The impact can lead to a variety of issues, including:
- Sprained Ankles: A misstep or awkward landing can stretch or tear the ligaments in your ankle, causing pain, swelling, and instability.
- Sesamoiditis: The sesamoid bones are tiny bones under the big toe joint. Repetitive stress from jumping and pivoting can irritate these bones, leading to pain and tenderness.
- Metatarsal Stress Fractures: These tiny cracks in the bones of the midfoot can develop due to repetitive stress, especially if you’re new to the sport or haven’t adequately conditioned your feet.
- Turf Toe: This painful condition involves inflammation of the joint at the base of the big toe, often caused by forceful hyperextension during play.
The Right Gear for Peak Performance (and Foot Health)
Choosing the proper footwear is essential for pickleball players. Select court shoes featuring solid ankle support, shock absorption, and a non-marking outsole that provides excellent traction.
Biomechanics: Aligning Your Body for Optimal Foot Health
Your biomechanics, or how your body moves, play a significant role in foot health.
- A podiatrist can assess your gait and posture to identify any imbalances that might contribute to foot and ankle problems.
- Orthotics, custom-made shoe inserts, can help correct these imbalances and improve shock absorption, reducing your risk of injury.
Serious Intervention: When to See a Podiatrist
While many pickleball injuries are manageable with proper care, some require a podiatrist’s intervention. If you experience persistent pain, swelling, numbness, or difficulty walking, seek professional evaluation right away!
Call the friendly staff at My Chicago Foot Expert (773) 561-8100 or click here to schedule an appointment with Cook County podiatrist Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM, in our modern, comfortable Ravenswood office today.