'Minor' foot conditions in tennis-players

Observation of a marked increase in the number of 'minor' foot conditions in tennis-players promoted an examination of the feet of 200 players of various ages and with various degrees of involvement in the game to determine how many displayed symptoms and how many had suffered from disturbances in the past. Four groups were formed (normal, cavus, flat and cavovalgus) and the absolute and percentage incidence of various conditions were determined in each group. The data thus obtained were also used to define the type of foot suitable for tennis. Consideration is given to the extent to which the type of ground and the relations between the feet and footwear influence the onset and/or aggravation of these conditions. In addition to non-specific conditions, a pathology correlated with the digital formula was observed sufficiently often to enable it to be classed as 'specific'.