The Sport Causing a Bit of a Pickle: How To Avoid Injuries While Playing Pickleball

Common pickleball injuries and how to avoid them. While such a seemingly innocuous sport, this pickleball playing trend is leading to an uptick in pickleball injuries and visits to the doctor. 

If you haven’t already heard, millions of people are now playing pickleball every year. What was once a niche sport, has blown up in America and is now in the ranks alongside ping pong and tennis. Avid pickleball athletes now even have their own leagues and teams. It’s the real dill. While such a seemingly innocuous sport, this pickleball playing trend is leading to an uptick in pickleball injuries and visits to the doctor. 

As an athlete, any type of injury can definitely sour your game. With pickleball specifically, physical therapists and doctors are reporting certain injuries to be more frequent than others. Due to the nature of the sport, the particular areas more prone to injury are the lower half of the body, and the upper extremities. Below we’ve outlined some of the most common pickleball injuries.

What are common pickleball injuries?

• Knee injuries such as MCL, LCL sprains and Meniscus tears

• Calf strains and ankle sprains 

• Hamstring strains and tightness

• Plantar fasciitis

• Achilles sprains or tears

• Lower back injuries

• Tennis elbow and Golfer’s elbow

• Wrist injuries

• Shoulder injuries

• Exacerbation of Hip/Knee Arthritis

How to avoid getting hurt while playing pickleball:

Many pickleball injuries coming in are overuse injuries, flare ups of pre-existing conditions and old injuries. Others are brand new injuries that can often be avoided by using a bit of precaution. Because the sport is also becoming more popular in older age groups, it is important to understand one’s own physical limits. As with any sport, there are some key tips to follow to avoid finding yourself in a pickle:

• Be proactive by stretching and warming up before you play

• Avoid falls by wearing appropriate shoes and avoid playing on slippery surfaces

• Strengthen any areas of your body more susceptible to injuries (ex. Ankles, knees, elbows, etc.)

• Listen to your body. If you have an injury, take time to rest and ice the injury before returning to play

• Do not ignore injuries that are painful, swollen, or limiting your mobility

If you find yourself with a pickleball injury, it’s important to be seen by a Physical Therapist right away in order to treat your injury swiftly and effectively. Our Physical Therapists in Brooklyn and NYC can help diagnose and treat injuries, as well as help strengthen your body to improve your performance and stamina in pickleball, and all sports.  

While not an Olympic sport just yet, pickleball is on its way to becoming as popular as the more traditional sports. Whether this pickleball craze will last, remains to be seen, but you can protect yourself from any unwanted pickleball injuries by following these tips. If you are in need of a Physical Therapist in Brooklyn or Manhattan, call Sarrica Physical Therapy and Wellness at 347-560-6920.