Love the Court? Let’s Keep You on It.

Pickleball and tennis are great ways to stay active, social, and competitive—no matter your age. But all that side-to-side movement, quick stops, and sudden pivots? It puts a lot of stress on your ankles.

At West Haven Foot and Ankle Center, we see more and more people coming in with ankle sprains, strains, and chronic soreness from these popular court sports. If you’ve recently started playing—or you’ve been at it for years—this blog’s for you.

Let’s talk about how to prevent ankle injuries, spot early warning signs, and when to see a sports injury podiatrist in West Haven.

Why Pickleball and Tennis Are Tough on Ankles

Both sports involve:

• Quick direction changes

• Short bursts of speed

• Lunging or jumping

• Uneven court surfaces

That combo increases your risk of:

• Ankle sprains (rolling or twisting the ankle)

• Tendon strains

• Chronic ankle instability

• Stress fractures

And if you’ve had an ankle injury before, you’re even more likely to get hurt again.

How to Protect Your Ankles on the Court

The good news? A few simple steps can go a long way in keeping your ankles strong and supported.

1. Choose the Right Shoes

Wear court-specific shoes made for pickleball or tennis. They provide side support and better grip to handle those lateral movements.

Avoid running shoes—they’re built for forward motion and lack the support needed for side steps and pivots.

2. Warm Up and Stretch

Take 5–10 minutes to:

• Walk or jog lightly

• Stretch your calves, ankles, and feet

• Do a few ankle circles or dynamic movements

This helps loosen your muscles and lowers your risk of strains.

3. Strengthen Your Ankles

Simple exercises like:

• Heel raises

• Balance drills

• Resistance band ankle movements
  can improve stability and reduce injury risk.

4. Wear Ankle Braces (If Needed)

If you’ve had a previous sprain or feel wobbly, a light brace or supportive wrap can add extra protection without limiting your movement.

Signs You May Have an Ankle Injury

Don’t ignore pain or stiffness just because you “played hard.” Minor issues can turn into long-term problems if left untreated.

Call Us If You Notice:

• Swelling around the ankle

• Pain when walking or bearing weight

• A popping sound at the time of injury

• Weakness or instability

• Pain that lasts more than a few days

We’ll take a closer look, run tests if needed, and create a treatment plan to get you back on the court safely.

How a Sports Injury Podiatrist in West Haven Can Help

At West Haven Foot and Ankle Center, we treat athletes of all ages—from weekend players to league champions.

We offer:

• Expert diagnosis of ankle and foot injuries

• Custom orthotics to improve foot alignment and balance

• Physical therapy plans for rehab and prevention

• Supportive bracing or taping techniques

• Advanced imaging or referral if further evaluation is needed

Whether it’s your first ankle tweak or your fifth sprain, we’ll help you recover—and protect your feet from future injuries.

Play Hard. Play Smart.

Pickleball and tennis should be fun, not painful. Don’t wait for an injury to slow you down. With the right shoes, exercises, and care from a sports injury podiatrist in West Haven, you can keep your ankles strong and your game sharp.

Let’s Keep You Moving

If you’ve had an ankle injury—or want to prevent one—give us a call. We’ll help you stay active, avoid setbacks, and keep chasing that ball with confidence.

Book an appointment today and get back to the sport you love—safely and pain-free.