Game, Set, Ouch: The Pickleball Trend and Your Feet
It’s the fastest-growing sport in America for a reason! Pickleball is social, fun, and a fantastic way to stay active. But as more and more people hit the courts, a common, unspoken side effect is emerging: overuse injuries of the foot and ankle.
You’ve invested in the right paddle, found the perfect court shoes, and practiced your dinks. But what about your most essential piece of equipment? If you’re ending your matches with aching arches, bruised toenails, or painful blisters, you’re not alone. The unique demands of pickleball put a specific and intense strain on your feet, and in this post, Oak Foot & Ankle will teach you how to handle them.
Why the Pickleball Court is Tougher on Your Feet Than You Think
Unlike the straightforward motion of running or walking, pickleball is a game of quick, explosive, lateral movements.
- Every lunge for a shot, every quick pivot, and every sudden stop on that hard court surface sends targeted stress through your feet and ankles.
- This repeated, specific strain is a perfect recipe for overuse injuries, such as chronic plantar fasciitis.
Often, however, the problem that sidelines a player isn’t a dramatic sprain; rather, it’s something much smaller that has been overlooked.
“Pickler’s Toe”: When Nail Care Becomes Injury Prevention
You’ve probably heard of “runner’s toe,” the black, bruised toenail that comes from repetitive impact. Welcome to the pickleball version.
- Because of the constant, abrupt stops, your toes are frequently jamming into the front of your shoe.
- A toenail that is even slightly too long or has an improper curve can become a source of intense pain.
- This isn’t just a cosmetic issue. When a nail hurts, you subconsciously change how you move to avoid the pain.
- You might put less weight on that foot or alter your push-off.
Over a match, this small change in your biomechanics can lead to a much bigger problem, like severe ankle sprains or tendonitis.
The same goes for calluses and blisters: a thick, hard callus can create a painful “hot spot” that quickly turns into a game-ending problem.
Play Smarter, Hurt Less
If you’re a player who’s been affected, we might recommend:
- Custom orthotics to correct biomechanical imbalances
- Professional nail care and padding to reduce discomfort in your shoes
- In office X-rays and ultrasound exams to identify the core problems
Whatever your worries might be, don’t let an avoidable foot or nail issue be the weak link in your pickleball game! Investing in the health of your feet is one of the smartest things you can do to prevent injuries, improve your movement on the court, and keep playing the game you love, so if you’re affected, get in touch. We’ll have you back in action soon!
Oak Foot and Ankle in Oak Lawn, IL, provides expert podiatric care for patients of all ages. Specializing in sports medicine, diabetic foot care, and innovative treatments, we help you stay active and comfortable. Need assistance? Contact us today!
