The tennis community is always quick to share advice and experience when a player is injured. I benefitted from that first hand when I recently attended the National Senior Women’s Clay Court Championships on a knee scooter. One of the best recommendations I received for treating my own condition was from an umpire who implored me to try the OOFOS branded sandals. I wish these sandals had come into my life sooner.
What was initially feared to be a ruptured Plantar Fascia turned out to be a simple sprained ankle on top of chronic Plantar Fasciitis. After a few weeks in the walking boot another issue has emerged. A nerve in my foot that runs between the plantar fascia and the abductor hallucis muscle is impinged. This condition is called Baxter’s Nerve Entrapment. I am experimenting with all sorts of conservative treatment options.
Whether the diagnosis is Planter Fasciitis or Baxter’s Nerve Entrapment, the hardest part of these injuries for tennis players is the fact that the only truly effective treatment is to avoid high impact activity. Basically, the quickest way to get back to playing tennis is to not play tennis. It’s maddening.
The whole process can possibly be accelerated by off-court footcare. The umpire who pulled me aside in Houston echoed the same advice shared by my doctor: “You must never walk barefoot ever again.” The umpire that recommended the OOFOS branded sandal described them as hideously ugly, but well worth it.
Obviously we have different standards for what constitutes an ugly shoe, because I don’t think the OOFOS are all that bad. I have never been able to wear flip flops comfortably, so the slide format of sandal has been with me for many years. Fashion footwear is not exactly my thing.
The OOFOS sandal has made a huge difference for me. I keep them by the side of the bed and do not take a single step without them. They are shockingly more comfortable than my cushioned running shoes, which I am now wearing for part of the day as I slowly work myself back up to full activity.
I wish that I had discovered the OOFOS sandal when the symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis first emerged. It could have potentially saved me from a world of hurt and significant tennis down time. Even now, I am so grateful for the recommendation. They are an essential part of my recovery and I take them with me everywhere.
 | OOFOS Ooahh Sport Slide Sandal |
