Pickleball has become increasingly popular since the pandemic, and many players are astonished to hear that the sport has existed for almost 60 years. The amount of injuries sustained while playing is also unexpected. Due to its minimal impact and ease of learning, the activity is popular among people aged 55 and over. However, injuries have been happening quickly in this demographic since it calls for strength, balance, swift movement and agility.

Let's see the kind of injuries players can frequently experience while playing pickleball and how they can avoid them.

Knee Injuries

Pickleball players frequently sustain meniscal injuries, quadriceps, hamstring, and knee sprains. Additionally, athletes may experience flare-ups of their underlying arthritis.

Stretching and warming up are extremely crucial. In addition to strengthening our hip musculature, strengthening our thigh muscles, such as the quadriceps and hamstrings, can also aid in joint protection. A brace may occasionally be advised when recovering from an injury in order to provide the knee with extra compression and support and prevent reinjury.

Similar to how "texting thumb" has become more common over time, "pickleball elbow" is a new condition (Journal of Epidemiology, 2021). Stretching, cushioning the tendon or elbow, and playing again once symptoms subside are some ways to treat 'pickleball elbow' often referred to as 'tennis elbow' or lateral epicondylitis.

The most frequent complaints are for acute wrist injuries. They happen when you are tripping and extending your hand to break a fall. These injuries vary from a sprain to a fracture of the wrist. The most frequent pickleball injury that occasionally necessitates surgical treatment is a Colles fracture of the wrist. Other areas of the upper extremity that can be injured by way of a fall include the elbow and shoulder including fracture or tendon tears. A pickleball player may also suffer from hand and finger injuries like as fractures, sprains, and strains.

Being well-prepared, which includes having the right balance and endurance, can help reduce the chance of getting hurt while having fun on the courts. Exercises like Tai Chi, riding, ellipticals, walking, and swimming will help build a strong core and boost the stamina required to play this well-liked game while maintaining balance and steadiness.

Ankle Injuries

Achilles tendon tears or ruptures are the most frequent pickleball injuries that players might encounter. Although seasoned players have also suffered similar injuries, the majority of patients are first-time athletes. After taking a rapid step on the court, the player will experience discomfort in the back of their ankle, frequently hear a pop, and find it difficult to walk. As soon as possible, ideally within a few days of the injury, it is crucial to see a professional with experience in treating these injuries.

The best defense against injury is to warm up slowly on the court and stretch your hamstrings and calf muscles before you play pickleball.

Hip Injuries

Muscle strains of the gluteal, hip flexor, or hamstring muscles are the most frequent hip injuries from pickleball. It is also possible for labral tears and underlying hip arthritis to worsen.

By stretching before playing and strengthening their core, hips, and lower extremities, people can help prevent hip injuries.

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