Common Pickleball Injuries: What to Watch Out For

Introduction

While pickleball provides a great mix of fun and exercise, it’s crucial to play it safe. After all, no one wants to sideline themselves with injuries. So what are the typical injuries in pickleball, and how can you steer clear of them?

Top 3 Most Frequent Pickleball Injuries

Ankle Sprains: The Bane of Quick Movement

Ankle sprains are often seen in pickleball due to the sport’s requirement for quick lateral movements and rapid directional changes. It’s easy to twist an ankle during such actions, especially on slippery or uneven surfaces. Those who’ve had previous ankle issues are at higher risk.

Prevention Tips:

1. Consider wearing ankle braces, especially if you have a history of ankle sprains.
2. Investing in quality athletic shoes with good ankle support can go a long way.
3. Additionally, warming up before games and performing ankle-strengthening exercises can enhance stability.

Tennis Elbow: It’s Not Just for Tennis Players

Despite its name, tennis elbow is a common affliction among pickleball players too. This condition occurs when the tendons in your elbow are overloaded, often due to repetitive racket swinging and wrist movement. Over time, this can lead to painful inflammation.

Prevention Tips:

1. The correct paddle grip can alleviate some of the stress on your elbow.
2. Make sure to take adequate breaks between games to allow muscle recovery.
3. Implement forearm strengthening exercises into your workout routine.

Shoulder Injuries: The Cost of Powerful Shots

Serving and smashing shots are integral parts of pickleball, but they can also be the culprits behind shoulder injuries. The repetitive overhead motion can strain the muscles and tendons in your shoulder area, leading to conditions like rotator cuff tendinitis.

Prevention Tips:

1. Proper serving and smashing techniques are essential to prevent these types of injuries.
2. Consistent practice under the guidance of a qualified coach can help you develop good form.
3. Shoulder-strengthening exercises and stretches can also contribute to injury prevention.

By understanding these common injuries and following preventive measures, you can enjoy a safer and more fulfilling pickleball experience.

Prevention Tips: Keeping Injuries at Bay

Warm-up and Stretch

A good warm-up raises your body temperature. Follow it up with stretching exercises to prepare your muscles.

Wear Appropriate Gear

Footwear with good grip and cushioning can prevent ankle and knee issues. Also, consider moisture-wicking clothing to stay dry.

Rest and Recover

Too much of a good thing can backfire. Rest days are as important as active days for injury prevention.

Conclusion

Safety should always be your priority when engaging in any sport, pickleball included. You can enjoy the game without worrying by remembering the most common injuries and following prevention tips.

The information in this blog post comes from my research and experience playing pickleball and can be found in my books — HOW TO GET STARTED PLAYING PICKLEBALL, HOW TO IMPROVE FROM BEGINNER TO INTERMEDIATE IN PICKLEBALL, and PICKLEBALL FOR SENIORS — all available on Amazon. I hope you learn something from this post that you can take onto the courts to help you improve your game.