As with the other devices in the Vacuum Formed Sport Range, the Tennis custom made orthotic is designed in accordance with the demands of playing tennis (or any other racquet sport). Whether just training or playing a full game, tennis players put their feet through some tough physical demands. Swift sprints, sudden changes of direction and quick stops are all common moves which can leave the player prone to injury.  Different court surfaces can also put excessive stress on the foot and ankle.

All of these demands mean that an orthotic used specifically for tennis needs to be strong and able to absorb shock. This will help to treat and prevent conditions such as ankle sprains, stress fractures, plantar fasciopathy and Achilles tendinopathy; all of which are commonly associated with tennis.

 

Key features

  • Strong Poly-Nyolene shell material – Allows for a high level of biomechanical control.
  • 3 mm PPT forefoot extension – Reduces shock and sheer stresses under the metatarsals.

 

Ideal for….

  • Professional or recreational Tennis / Badminton / Squash players
  • General patients requiring higher levels of biomechanical control with increased padding under the forefoot

 

Treatment Tips

  1. Metatarsal pain or stress fractures can occur in tennis players resulting from a combination of “on toes” stance and harder court surfaces. Try a metatarsal bar in your prescription - this will help to transfer the patient’s weight proximally and reduce loading on the metatarsal shafts and necks.
  2. If your patient is suffering from Achilles tendinopathy, think about advising tendon loading exercises along with your orthoses. The latest research on tendinopathies suggests that it doesn’t simply improve with rest – tendons need to be gradually loaded in order to heal and develop a greater tolerance.
  3. Tennis shoes are specifically designed to absorb high impacts. Make sure your patient chooses good footwear specifically for the court and advise them to change shoes regularly to avoid losing the shock attenuating properties as their footwear ages. Also, make sure the shoe is a good fit; quick stops and side to side movements which are common on the court mean that ill-fitting shoes can cause blisters and subungual haematomas. A good orthotic always works better with a good shoe.