Pickleball has become a very popular sport in America over the last couple of years. Often described as a combination of tennis, ping pong, and badminton, pickleball is a fun pastime that can be played as singles or doubles. As with any sport, pickleball comes with the risk of injuries, and players should take caution to prevent hurting themselves or others. Some of the most common pickleball injuries include sprained ankles, tennis elbow, lower back pain, and other types of muscular strains.
Despite the rise of pickleball-related injuries, players will be happy to know there are simple methods to prevent such injuries. These methods range from stretching to wearing the correct footwear. If you have suffered a pickleball injury, you should seek medical attention so that you can heal properly and return to the courts as soon as possible. The medical experts at NJ Spine & Orthopedic are ready to assess and treat your pickleball injury.
What is Pickleball?
Compared to tennis, pickleball is a low-impact option, making pickleball a preferred activity for people over sixty. Pickleball is not only a great way for people to exercise their bodies, but it also provides a nice opportunity to socialize with others.
Pickleball is not as rigorous as tennis; however, pickleball players are still subject to possible injuries. Despite the differences between tennis and pickleball, the two sports involve some of the same movements that can lead to injuries. Like tennis, pickleball entails swinging the arm to hit the ball and quickly changing direction to chase the ball. These repetitive motions can put strain on the shoulders, wrists, ankles, knees, and other parts of the body.
What Are Common Pickleball Injuries?
Pickleball is often tough on a person’s limbs. Many of the most common pickleball injuries occur in the arms and legs. For example, sprained ankles commonly result from playing pickleball. Players also suffer from hamstring strains and Achilles tendonitis, which occurs when the Achilles tendon becomes inflamed. The constant swinging motion may lead to rotator cuff injuries in the shoulder, and repetitively hitting the ball with the paddle might cause wrist strains or even tennis elbow. Other common pickleball injuries include strained knees and lower back pain.
Anyone playing pickleball could get injured, but people over the age of 60 are more prone to getting hurt due to their often sedentary lifestyles. No matter your age, you should be careful when playing pickleball to avoid straining or spraining any muscles. If you find yourself injured from playing pickleball, you should seek medical attention from a trusted professional.
How Can I Heal and Prevent Pickleball Injuries?
The severity of a pickleball injury will determine the healing process. For most minor pickleball injuries, you should rest the injured area, use ice to combat inflammation, compress the injured area with a bandage, and elevate the injured area. If you seriously injure yourself while playing pickleball, you should seek medical attention immediately. You might have a fracture or dislocation if you cannot move the injured area at all. You should consult with a medical professional as soon as possible to treat more serious injuries.
Luckily, many pickleball injuries can be prevented. Players of all ages should take certain precautions to avoid hurting themselves during a game of pickleball. First, people should properly hydrate and conduct a thorough warm-up of stretching. Players should also wear proper shoes to avoid slipping or falling. Pickleball players may even be able to prevent injury by making sure the courts are clear of anything that might cause a player to fall.
Contact the Experts at NJ Spine & Orthopedic About Your Pickleball Injury Today
Although pickleball is a great way to exercise and socialize, the risk of injury still lurks. Many people can be proactive in healing their injuries and preventing future ones. Our trained medical staff is prepared to assist you with your pickleball injury.
The skilled team at NJ Spine & Orthopedic is ready to help you on your road to recovery. Pickleball injuries are all too common, and you deserve top-notch patient care. Our Concierge Team will assist you throughout the entire appointment planning process. Begin your healing process by reaching out to us through our contact form or by calling (866) 553-0612.