Actual TENNIS shoes, in this case.
I started playing tennis with a passion earlier this year. Usually twice a week; sometimes, more. At the time I started, though, I hadn’t found a store that carried tennis-specific shoes, so I ended up buying a pair of running shoes, instead. Not the perfect solution, I know, particularly since running shoes aren’t designed for a lot of side-to-side movement. On top of not having application-specific shoes, I also have pronating issues with my feet. My girlfriend has warned me in the past about the combination of those two things potentially causing me knee trouble down the line. And, after two hours of tennis on Monday and two hours last night, I’ve started to notice that my left knee…doesn’t feel quite right.
So now, probably too late, as usual, I want to start taking this a bit more seriously. I guess what I’m wondering is, would I need to find someone to make a custom shoe for me? Or am I likely to be able to find a shoe designed for tennis players that also corrects for pronating? Or, do I need a proper tennis shoe combined with some other device that helps with the pronating?
Your advice (and/or experiences) is appreciated.
Running shoes are terribly unsuited for tennis, as they tend to have a thick midsole around the heel. This raises up your heel and makes you more prone to ankle sprains. Since tennis has a lot of lateral movements (sliding side to side), tennis shoes are designed with lower heels. They also have a cap around the inside of the toe to limit wear, as you drag your feet when you shift your weight hitting the ball. Otherwise the outsole will peel away from the midsole as you drag your feet.
Most sporting goods stores should have at least a limited selection of tennis shoes. If they don’t, I would go for a basketball shoe. See if you can get a heel cup or something to prevent the pronation, or maybe an ankle brace of some sort.
Definitely get yourself a generalized knee brace and start icing it. For ice, you want one of these thingies (they’re cheaper in the store, often BOGO as well).
As for knee braces, I like Futuro’s Precision Fit. I’ve tried patellar straps (that’s the soft area just below your knee cap) and they were okay but not great. This provides all around support while still being flexible and even soft, so you won’t get any of that nasty rubbing/chafing you often get from cheaper braces. If it’s really bugging you, see an orthopedist. He’ll get you in some physical therapy where they should teach you some basic stretching for it. I too started playing tennis this past summer and aggravated my knee (patellar tendinitis). Immediately I recommend the brace and ice, eventually I recommend the doc. What got me to go to the doctor was having pain climbing stairs. Do you have pain doing ordinary stuff?
Do you have a tennis store near you? You could be fitted for good shoes once, and then be able to buy the same kind/style online in the future.
I found a local tennis-only store, and I’m headed out there this afternoon. I won’t get to play any tennis this weekend due to an unrelated minor procedure I had done, but I’ll hopefully get back to it next week – presumably with a new pair of proper shoes. I’ve also received advice to buy a separate orthopedic device to correct the pronation. We’ll see how this all goes.
Definitely appreciate the advice so far.