Broken toes from tennis

brado32003 · Jun 27, 2009

Have any of you ever had toe problems, breaking toes, spraining toes, or joint problems?

I think my tennis shoes are hurting my feet and toes... Both of my second toes (closest to my big toe) hurt so bad after I play to the point where I can't even walk after I'm done. When I play, the pain gets worse and worse but not bad enough to stop.

Anyone ever have this problem, and I'm looking to get new tennis shoes price range $50-$90... Please post a link if you find any good shoes.

Tipsy · Jun 27, 2009

Do you know I experienced something similar yesterday. My big toe was causing me noticable pain after a while on court, I woke up this morning and I just couldn't bend it properly. I think the lesson to be learnt from this is not to wear tennis shoes two sizes too small!

LetFirstServe · Jun 28, 2009

Most toe problems I have is getting blisters on them. My big toes are huge and dominate over the second one (seems many people have a long second toe) and the blisters are sometimes the diameters of pennies.

I got new shoes since then that are a size smaller but I still get the blisters but not as bad. On a longer match I could probably just prevent them from doubling up my socks.

It seems like your problem is the shoe is too small. It could be length but more importantly width.

brado32003 · Jun 28, 2009

LetFirstServe said:
Most toe problems I have is getting blisters on them. My big toes are huge and dominate over the second one (seems many people have a long second toe) and the blisters are sometimes the diameters of pennies.

I got new shoes since then that are a size smaller but I still get the blisters but not as bad. On a longer match I could probably just prevent them from doubling up my socks.

It seems like your problem is the shoe is too small. It could be length but more importantly width.

My second toe is actually shorter than my big toe believe it or not... I get blisters like you... I have a huge one on my big toe right now lol. I'm going to the doctor tomorrow to see what he says about my second toe (Make sure it's not too serious)... I'll be getting different shoes too.

gocard · Jun 28, 2009

What kind of shoes are you wearing right now? How long have you had the shoes before they started giving you these problems? I typically try to get my shoes 1/2 size larger than my regular shoes to give a bit more room in terms of those starts and stops. Perhaps you can wear thicker socks with a larger shoe size and see if that can help.

Good luck in your doctor's visit - I hope you'll be able to hit the courts again soon!

Cloud Atlas · Jun 28, 2009

gocard said:
What kind of shoes are you wearing right now? How long have you had the shoes before they started giving you these problems? I typically try to get my shoes 1/2 size larger than my regular shoes to give a bit more room in terms of those starts and stops. Perhaps you can wear thicker socks with a larger shoe size and see if that can help.

Good luck in your doctor's visit - I hope you'll be able to hit the courts again soon!

I bought a pair of barricades, and both my big toenails fell off. They went black first though.

mrmo1115 · Jun 28, 2009

^^^ Damn, how much did that hurt. It scares me just thinking about my toenails falling off..

I've never encountered this problem. Maybe once I used a pair of shoes (I forget which) and my toes would stub the top of the shoes. I don't think they were barricade v's though, possibly the iv's.

kashgotmoney · Jun 28, 2009

get a half size bigger and wear 2 socks.

these 2 shoes are comfortable

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/catpage-msprince.html

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/descpageMSADIDAS-ADMBB.html

HookEmJeff · Jun 28, 2009

I tape my feet in problem blister areas but have had major problems with toenails bruising. I run for everything and come to plenty of hard stops so I'm sure that's half of the reason. But, try as I might, I have NOT found a remedy for this at all.

I played this weekend and I think I bruised my second toe on my right foot pretty bad. Nail is likely going to fall off. Sucks.

I would appreciate any remedy anyone had for this.

Jeff

brado32003 · Jun 29, 2009

I went to a foot doctor today, and it turns out that both of my big toes are broken, and my second toes have bruised joints.

Now I have to get special pads in my shoes because of how my big toes move around and all of the pressure goes onto my second toe. No tennis for a couple weeks... GREAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT.....

brado32003 · Jun 29, 2009

By the way, it is the sesamoid bone in both of my big toes that is broken.

mxmx · Nov 25, 2011

brado32003 said:
I went to a foot doctor today, and it turns out that both of my big toes are broken, and my second toes have bruised joints.

Now I have to get special pads in my shoes because of how my big toes move around and all of the pressure goes onto my second toe. No tennis for a couple weeks... GREAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT.....

Last weekend, someone served to my backhand...i jumped quite far inside out, to hit a inside out forehand...My foot hit the court really hard. The foot and middle toe was sore...now only my middle toe is sore and still swollen.

The toe felt better the day before yesterday than it does today(the shoes i wore yesterday was too flexible and thin). I have now braced it with tape and it instantly feels like it would help.

I am hoping this toe heals quick enough for my tennis training in a few weeks.
I think it will be safer to abstain from tennis until then at least...

I need new tennis shoes, and this may influence what i get next....

Al Czervik · Nov 25, 2011

There is an argument that you want as tight a fit as possible so that your foot are not moving around in the shoe. Anyway, no matter what I do, the jab steps of tennis inevitably destroy one of my toenails. Just keep them as short as possible.

tball · Nov 25, 2011

For me, it is the shoes which are too long that cause this problem. My entire foot just slides forward on sudden stops. Usually, after an hour of play. Some shoes are better than others in preventing this. I find that in snugglier shoes, I do not experience this. I also find that "low to the ground" shoes (with minimal cusioning up front) are worse in this regard.

2ManyAces · Nov 25, 2011

Drink more milk! Calcium for the win

JDMasFCK · Nov 25, 2011

It first happened when I wore the Barricade 6, it's not tight at all but it's really narrow on top causing my toe nails to become black and I get blisters from time to time :/

mxmx · Oct 17, 2013

***Update on my previous post ^***

JDMasFCK said:
It first happened when I wore the Barricade 6, it's not tight at all but it's really narrow on top causing my toe nails to become black and I get blisters from time to time :/

I broke my middle toe wearing barracade 5's

I wear the barracade 7's now. They are better at the top of the shoe and do not press down on the toes when bending....but I still have toe problems. The front ball of my foot also seems to get sore. I split step a lot and probably too hard...or I'm wearing the wrong kind of shoes?

- I have started wearing thicker socks and it helps a little. (considering getting even thicker adidas or nike socks)
- I have gel toe protectors for my middle toes, but they do not protect the joint where it meets with the foot.
- I am considering sofsole "ball of foot" protectors but do not know how they would feel in already existing padding
link

- Which shoes can people recommend that protect the front part of the foot as well as the toes the most as I am on my toes a lot...
Protection of the knees will be a bonus...

I am considering Asics Gel resolution 5

Would like to discuss this further

Lord Luton · Oct 17, 2013

I wear Asics Gel Solution Speeds and I find them really comfortable. They gently hug the instep, give great arch support but have a nice big toe box. They're well cushioned too.

I find it's important to wear a fairly snug-fitting sock so although I'm a UK8.5 in the Asics I go for size 5-8 socks rather than 8-11s. I've worn the larger sized socks and found my feet slid around too much which resulted in blisters.

mxmx · Oct 17, 2013

Lord Luton said:
I wear Asics Gel Solution Speeds and I find them really comfortable. They gently hug the instep, give great arch support but have a nice big toe box. They're well cushioned too.

I find it's important to wear a fairly snug-fitting sock so although I'm a UK8.5 in the Asics I go for size 5-8 socks rather than 8-11s. I've worn the larger sized socks and found my feet slid around too much which resulted in blisters.

Thank you for your reply

Thankfully i'm not blister prone. I heard that the asics has great middle foot protection.

To me the whole idea of the shoe upper wrapping around ones foot for more support, makes sense. If the shoe fits well on top of your foot, it should prevent sliding, as well as provide additional support on the actual toes.
The barracades 7's certainly doesnt seem to fit and flex snugly on top of my foot (although they are much better than the 5's and 6's comfort wise).

Just for interest:
the part where my foot feels bruised at times is almost at the "head of the second metatarsal"
http://medical.cdn.patient.co.uk/images/269.jpg

Interesting: "Jason also found the uppers more comfortable than past versions. He said, "I've worn all the previous Gel Resolution shoes and I feel like this one is on par with them, if not a bit better. The uppers on these latest Gel Resolution are very soft and supple, even more so than past models. I thought the cushioning was responsive and more than adequate for not-so-soft landings."

Fintft · Oct 17, 2013

mxmx said:
***Update on my previous post ^***

I broke my middle toe wearing barracade 5's

I wear the barracade 7's now. They are better at the top of the shoe and do not press down on the toes when bending....but I still have toe problems. The front ball of my foot also seems to get sore. I split step a lot and probably too hard...or I'm wearing the wrong kind of shoes?

- I have started wearing thicker socks and it helps a little. (considering getting even thicker adidas or nike socks)
- I have gel toe protectors for my middle toes, but they do not protect the joint where it meets with the foot.
- I am considering sofsole "ball of foot" protectors but do not know how they would feel in already existing padding
link

- Which shoes can people recommend that protect the front part of the foot as well as the toes the most as I am on my toes a lot...
Protection of the knees will be a bonus...

I am considering Asics Gel resolution 5

Would like to discuss this further

To me, the Nike CB's 4.3 seem to fit your foot like a glove and provide the best protection. GR5s are faster though, but with less lateral stability and toe protection, imo.

chinobambino · Oct 17, 2013

There's quite a few factors that I think will help prevent toe jamming.

1) My suggestion is to have your foot either brannocked or scanned to actually determine your true shoe size! Many people buy their sizes because "that's what I've always get", but I think a fair amount of people will be surprised by your actual foot size.
Additionally, it is quite common to have a difference in sizes between your left and right foot, so this complicates sizing as well.

2) Sizing isn't everything, but it's a good place to start. You have to take account fit preference as well as the different "lasts" that each shoe manufacturer uses for each model. Regarding lasts - this determines a lot of the shape of the shoe. Is the arch in the right place? Is the width suitable for my foot? Some lasts have a lot of rocker, or swing. All these variables influence how your foot moves within the shoe.

3) Lacing. With toe jamming, there are a lot of theories and techniques on how to lace the top eyelets to really cinch your heel to the pocket of the shoe that will prevent your foot from moving forward.

4) Also, you could look into more toe cushioned socks for more protection.

5) And orthotics that have a more grippy topcloth.

mxmx · Oct 17, 2013

chinobambino said:
There's quite a few factors that I think will help prevent toe jamming.

1) My suggestion is to have your foot either brannocked or scanned to actually determine your true shoe size! Many people buy their sizes because "that's what I've always get", but I think a fair amount of people will be surprised by your actual foot size.
Additionally, it is quite common to have a difference in sizes between your left and right foot, so this complicates sizing as well.

I've seen instore sofsole scanners that can do this...maybe this is the answer

3) Lacing. With toe jamming, there are a lot of theories and techniques on how to lace the top eyelets to really cinch your heel to the pocket of the shoe that will prevent your foot from moving forward.

Am I right in saying that adidas is not the best when it comes to this?

4) Also, you could look into more toe cushioned socks for more protection.

Probably my first step of action

5) And orthotics that have a more grippy topcloth.

I agree, and this to me made also made sense. So far shoes that I have tried on (not played with) that seems to fit my feet well "on top" are CB4.3, Vapor 9 and asics gel Res 5 - A pity adidas doesn't come to the party as much comfort wise. Dunno about the B8's though...

Absorbtion wise and flex wise: Do you guys recommend shoes with stiffer OR flexier soles? I get the impression that adidas is not as flexy (for the sake of durability), hence maybe shock on my feet when landing?

mxmx · Oct 17, 2013

Fintft said:
To me, the Nike CB's 4.3 seem to fit your foot like a glove and provide the best protection. GR5s are faster though, but with less lateral stability and toe protection, imo.

They are definitely on my list of my next possible shoes. Its probably between these and the asics atm...but I haven't tried out the B8's on my feet yet...

Fintft · Oct 17, 2013

mxmx said:
They are definitely on my list of my next possible shoes. Its probably between these and the asics atm...but I haven't tried out the B8's on my feet yet...

Neither have I tried the B8's nor 7's, especially b/c I still own about 3 pairs of CBs 4.3 (one brand new) and an old BV (barely used).

parasailing · Oct 23, 2013

Aside from great suggestions posted, I recommend going with Vapor 9 Tours which offer great lock in of your midfoot preventing your feet from sliding around. In addition, I wear Nike Elite basketball socks which off plenty of cushion, basically like wearing two pairs of socks.

These two combination in addition to a orthotics greatly reduce the blisters and toe problem I had in the past. I would also recommend you change out your shoes once you feel the foam has stiffen and no longer provide that cushion when you first used them.

HookEmJeff · Oct 24, 2013

I have found something of a remedy for this. I started putting these padded toe covers on my problem toes (my big right toe and the second toe). It has helped.
You can get these things at any pharmacy. They are like $6 per toe.

http://www.pharmapacks.com/products...gclid=CKLS4on2rroCFeuDQgodDGoATw#.UmjIxDK9KSM

I also tape my feet in blister -prone areas before matches. It seems like a lot of work but it's not. I was tired of blisters and things affecting how I was playing.

Jeff

mxmx · Dec 3, 2013

parasailing said:
Aside from great suggestions posted, I recommend going with Vapor 9 Tours which offer great lock in of your midfoot preventing your feet from sliding around. In addition, I wear Nike Elite basketball socks which off plenty of cushion, basically like wearing two pairs of socks.

These two combination in addition to a orthotics greatly reduce the blisters and toe problem I had in the past. I would also recommend you change out your shoes once you feel the foam has stiffen and no longer provide that cushion when you first used them.

Do you know how well the Vapors deal with the above (bold) compared to other shoes?

mxmx · Dec 3, 2013

HookEmJeff said:
I have found something of a remedy for this. I started putting these padded toe covers on my problem toes (my big right toe and the second toe). It has helped.
You can get these things at any pharmacy. They are like $6 per toe.

http://www.pharmapacks.com/products...gclid=CKLS4on2rroCFeuDQgodDGoATw#.UmjIxDK9KSM

I also tape my feet in blister -prone areas before matches. It seems like a lot of work but it's not. I was tired of blisters and things affecting how I was playing.

Jeff

Hi Jeff

Thank you

I have similar toe guards hehe...They seem to help a little.
They certainly provide support to the toe itself. The problem is that my toes sometimes hurt where the toe begins and the cap does not cover as well as at the ball of the foot just before the toe starts. I have tried cutting the toe guard in such a way that it overlaps the ball of the foot, which helps, until they rotate themselves to be on top of the toe. (For some reason the protection part i cut, always rotates to the top of my toes as the match progresses) Tape will not keep it in place as nothing sticks when feet becomes sweaty.

Chotobaka · Dec 3, 2013

HookEmJeff said:
I have found something of a remedy for this. I started putting these padded toe covers on my problem toes (my big right toe and the second toe). It has helped.
You can get these things at any pharmacy. They are like $6 per toe.

http://www.pharmapacks.com/products...gclid=CKLS4on2rroCFeuDQgodDGoATw#.UmjIxDK9KSM

I also tape my feet in blister -prone areas before matches. It seems like a lot of work but it's not. I was tired of blisters and things affecting how I was playing.

Jeff

Similar products are also available in a very soft silicone gel material. I have used these in the past to minimize contact and cushion injured toes (including lost toenails) and they worked great. I keep a pack in my bag just in case, but fortunately have not had to use them in a very long time.

Steph75 · Dec 11, 2013

I bruise my toes a bit from the hard stopping, usually from pressure with the front of the shoe even though the shoes aren't too small. Tying my laces very tight, especially the bottom 2 laces to prevent my feet from sliding forward on the stops helps somewhat.

GoSurfBoy · Dec 11, 2013

Feet are everything, so I'll give you a few tips - from a guy that toured. Shoes ARE important, but many problems are more easily remedied than a shoe-hunt:

NAILS: I make an industrial strength nail sander, with clear, hard, plastic non-skid from Ace Hardware. It's about #40 grit. I use a stick about 1' long (30cm), 1.5" wide (3.5cm), about 1/4" thick (.8cm). I use the sticky back, and cut 4 strips, one for each side and the edges. The sticky doesn't work all that great on porous surfaces, so a strip of plastic on something works. After several 're-paperings', there is enough glue on stick to really help. This 'stick' travels with me to all tournaments, and is in my small, courtside bag (I don't bring those big@ss bags on the court with me). I ALSO KEEP CALLOUSES SANDED DOWN, FEET AND FINGERS. Finger callouses CAN CRACK - and those are really painful for such a tiny little thing. Those soft, foam boards are good for getting thumbs, or I use the edge of the 'board' for that.

KEEP YOUR TOENAILS VERY SHORT. Most player's toenails ARE WAY TOO LONG. I cannot stress this enough. Keep the 'edges' CLEAN and trimmed (hangnails or infections). I hit with a college girl who's feet were a mess. She took off her shoes (lost nails), and I could see the immediate problem; too long. She's never had a toenail issue since that day.

BLISTERS: DO NOT OPEN! Use a sterile pin and poke 3 or 4 holes to drain. LEAVE SKIN ON. Keep those holes open, so air can heal the skin underneath. Wrap with a bandaid that has Triple Antibiotic ointment on it, and change frequently.

BROKEN/STRAINED TOES: All you can do here is tape your toes together. There is no 'cast' for your toe. I had this a lot, at one point, and added some things to my diet from a naturalist dietitian. No more broken toes. Had like 5 - at one time - one summer.

ATHLETE'S FOOT: Although not mentioned above, as I have to use many club/public showers, A/F is a VERY SERIOUS ISSUE.

DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THIS INFECTION. I did once, and had to have a bone removed from my toe!

I wash my feet WELL, toes, etc., with soap and water.
I use cheapy thongs IN the shower - everywhere.
I bring a small, spray can of Lysol - it kills the bacteria.
I pull liners from used shoes to dry - and put in the sun, with Lysol spray, if I can. SUNLIGHT KILLS BACTERIA.
I use two pairs of shoes per day. One is 'drying' while 2nd is in use. At home, I have 5 or 6 pairs I rotate.

Good luck.

TobyTopspin · Dec 11, 2013

Unfortunately, I've broken both big toes multiple times and my pinky toe once on my right foot. Both of my big toes are misshapen and point inwards from years of abuse on the tennis court.

For years, I thought I was the only one because I hadn't heard anything from other players talking about this. Until one day a saw a documentary from the ATP where then went behind closed doors and watched Tim Henman (?) getting ready for a match. He took his socks off and his toes were jacked up just like mine! He got each one of them taped individually before his match and talked about how many tennis players had stress fractures in there toes. I felt a little better after that as at least I wasn't alone.

When my wife saw my feet for the first time she was aghast. I told her I had tennis player toes and I wear the deformations as a badge of honor.

Without knowing for sure I'm sure Ferrer has feet a lot more jacked than mine.

Fintft · Dec 14, 2013

GoSurfBoy said:
Feet are everything, so I'll give you a few tips - from a guy that toured. Shoes ARE important, but many problems are more easily remedied than a shoe-hunt:

NAILS: I make an industrial strength nail sander, with clear, hard, plastic non-skid from Ace Hardware. It's about #40 grit. I use a stick about 1' long (30cm), 1.5" wide (3.5cm), about 1/4" thick (.8cm). I use the sticky back, and cut 4 strips, one for each side and the edges. The sticky doesn't work all that great on porous surfaces, so a strip of plastic on something works. After several 're-paperings', there is enough glue on stick to really help. This 'stick' travels with me to all tournaments, and is in my small, courtside bag (I don't bring those big@ss bags on the court with me). I ALSO KEEP CALLOUSES SANDED DOWN, FEET AND FINGERS. Finger callouses CAN CRACK - and those are really painful for such a tiny little thing. Those soft, foam boards are good for getting thumbs, or I use the edge of the 'board' for that.

KEEP YOUR TOENAILS VERY SHORT. Most player's toenails ARE WAY TOO LONG. I cannot stress this enough. Keep the 'edges' CLEAN and trimmed (hangnails or infections). I hit with a college girl who's feet were a mess. She took off her shoes (lost nails), and I could see the immediate problem; too long. She's never had a toenail issue since that day.

BLISTERS: DO NOT OPEN! Use a sterile pin and poke 3 or 4 holes to drain. LEAVE SKIN ON. Keep those holes open, so air can heal the skin underneath. Wrap with a bandaid that has Triple Antibiotic ointment on it, and change frequently.

BROKEN/STRAINED TOES: All you can do here is tape your toes together. There is no 'cast' for your toe. I had this a lot, at one point, and added some things to my diet from a naturalist dietitian. No more broken toes. Had like 5 - at one time - one summer.

ATHLETE'S FOOT: Although not mentioned above, as I have to use many club/public showers, A/F is a VERY SERIOUS ISSUE.

DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THIS INFECTION. I did once, and had to have a bone removed from my toe!

I wash my feet WELL, toes, etc., with soap and water.
I use cheapy thongs IN the shower - everywhere.
I bring a small, spray can of Lysol - it kills the bacteria.
I pull liners from used shoes to dry - and put in the sun, with Lysol spray, if I can. SUNLIGHT KILLS BACTERIA.
I use two pairs of shoes per day. One is 'drying' while 2nd is in use. At home, I have 5 or 6 pairs I rotate.

Good luck.

My nails are really deformed due to tennis; didn't have such a drastic problem though playing competitive basketball for many years....

corbind · Dec 15, 2013

GoSurfBoy that's a nice write up on the subject. Could you take a picture of your sanding stick?

I have had a black nail six times so far and one just last week cracked the nail too. Each time I play I decide between the following:

1 - Tie my shoes tight and, due to serve/volley, suffer micro tears on my plantar faclscia (tendon bottom of feet).

2 - Tie laces normal and have whole foot slide forward in the shoe smashing my longest (second) toes into the toe box causing cracked nails and blood under the nails.

I don't like either but had PF for two years so generally I opt for option 2 above (smashing nails). Ugggg.

mxmx · Jan 14, 2014

Just some feedback guys...my feet and toes seem to cope better with my new Nike CB's...they most definitely absorb shock better than Adidas and they are by far more comfortable. Durability wise it seems like they may not last as long though...

So far VERY happy with the shoes...

Carolina Racquet · Jan 14, 2014

Thorlos - Friend or Foe?

I had a severe toe bruising problem last year and it might have been aggravated by Thorlos 3 socks because I found even though they were thicker than conventional socks, my foot would slide more inside my shoe. Even tying the laces tighter, I would still move around in my shoe.

I've switched in the Fall to the 2 layer Nike Basketball Elite socks and my toes are loving it. No more sliding.

thejuice · Jan 14, 2014

I can tell you from experience in working tennis retail that a lot of people that have toe and foot problems have their issues begin from the time they choose a shoe. I often see people buy (for example) a size 10 shoe because that's what they normally wear when they do other activities. They would try on the 10 and complain of it being too tight but they purchase it anyway because they are determined to not try a 10.5. One more thing I see that add to bad toes and feet are the cheap shopper (someone that plays at least twice a week and doesn't want to invest more than $50-60 in tennis shoes).

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