With tennis season on the horizon and more players heading onto courts across Richmond, local specialists at Foot Solutions Richmond are urging players to pay closer attention to foot health to avoid injuries that could seriously affect performance.

Experts at the Richmond-based clinic say tennis places significant strain on the feet due to the constant sprinting, stopping, lunging and rapid changes of direction involved during play, especially on hard court surfaces where impact repeatedly travels through the heel and arch.

According to the team at Foot Solutions Richmond, untreated foot pain can quickly affect not just performance on court, but recovery and long-term mobility too.

One of the most common problems seen among tennis players is plantar fasciitis, a painful condition affecting the thick band of tissue supporting the arch of the foot.

The condition often causes sharp pain under the heel, particularly first thing in the morning or after long periods of rest.

Specialists say the repeated impact of tennis can overload the plantar fascia, especially when players are wearing worn-out footwear or do not have the correct support.

Other common issues affecting players include Achilles tendon pain, pain in the ball of the foot, ankle strain and Morton's neuroma symptoms caused by repeated pressure and impact.

Foot experts say a number of factors contribute to these problems, including hard playing surfaces, poor footwear, tight calf muscles, overtraining and differences in natural foot structure.

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Players with flatter feet can experience excessive inward rolling which increases strain on the arch, while those with high arches often struggle with shock absorption, putting additional pressure on the heel and forefoot.

To help reduce pain and improve movement, Foot Solutions Richmond offers custom arch supports, designed specifically to redistribute pressure more evenly through the foot and improve alignment during movement.

The Richmond clinic uses gait analysis technology and 3D foot scanning equipment to identify pressure points, posture issues and movement imbalances that may be contributing to discomfort.

Custom-made inserts can then be created to provide extra heel stability, support the arch during movement and reduce strain travelling through the ankles, knees and lower back.

The team says properly fitted footwear also plays a major role in preventing injury, with sports shoes from specialist brands such as Brooks and 361 often recommended for tennis players regularly training on harder surfaces.

As part of its local service, Foot Solutions Richmond is currently offering a free no-obligation foot assessment and gait analysis for residents looking to address ongoing pain or improve performance.

Players can book directly with the Richmond store or contact the team on 020 8940 1814 for more information. To visit it click the link here.

Foot Solutions Richmond is a sponsor of Richmond Nub News. Without sponsors our Richmond online newspaper would not be possible. Thank you.

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