When you play pickleball, you run the risk of picking up a few injuries. While some injuries are more serious than others, there are some things you can do to help minimize the risk of getting injured. Read on to learn about Achilles tendon strains, rotator cuff inflammation, Heel bruising, and more.
These injuries are relatively common and can be avoided if you prepare yourself properly before playing.
Is pickleball hard on the body?
Pickleball has many benefits and one of the most important is that it’s easier on the joints than tennis. There are always risks of injury in any paddle sport. Racquet Network states that a broken wrist is the most common pickleball injury. So, why are my hips sore after playing tennis? Labral tears are the most common cause of pain for tennis players. They can be caused by femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), hip flexor strain (including iliopsoas), peri-trochanteric pain, gluteus medius Syndrome and trochanteric bursitis, adductor strain, and athletic pubalgia.
Is pickleball bad for your hips?
When muscles in the hips get too much use, tendonitis and muscle strain can occur. Your hips may feel stiff and aching, especially if you move your hips or run a lot. You can treat muscle strain or tendonitis by applying icing several times a day to the affected area.
Pickleball Common Injuries
Even though pickleball is not a dangerous sport, there are still some common injuries that can occur.
Achilles tendon strain
A pickleball player must be aware of the risks involved in this sport in order to prevent an Achilles tendon strain. A strained tendon may lead to a number of symptoms, including knee pain, ankle sprains, meniscal tears, and even fractures. An achilles tendon strain is most common among older players and pickleball players. The Achilles tendon is easily injured when players suddenly change directions or stop suddenly. The condition may also cause a player to experience swelling or the inability to walk.
The tendons are responsible for allowing the feet to move and support the body, and repetitive sprinting is one of the most common causes for tendonitis. Achilles tendonitis can also lead to a rupture of the tendon, which is caused by a sudden change of direction or rapid, jerky movements.
While picking up a pickleball ball requires little physical activity, it’s important to listen to your body. If you feel any pain in your feet, seek immediate treatment. A professional will be able to prescribe the right treatment.
Rotator cuff inflammation
One of the most common injuries associated with pickleball is rotator cuff inflammation. Inflammation of this area causes pain when lifting the arm or crushing overheads. The shoulder pain will also get worse if the injured person is sleeping on the side affected. If you suspect you’ve sustained a rotator cuff tear, it is recommended to see a doctor to determine the best treatment plan.
There are several causes of rotator cuff inflammation, ranging from a simple sprain or strain to a full-blown tear. Over time, irritation of the tendons can lead to inflammation of the bursa, which in turn can lead to shoulder pain. In severe cases, the tendon may tear or rupture. Once this occurs, treatment is essential. Often, a doctor will recommend surgery.
Symptoms of a rotator cuff injury include pain in the shoulder, impingement, and general shoulder pain. The rotator cuff is the group of muscles that form the primary structure of the shoulder. During the game, a player’s arm can be stretched to a large extent, causing pain and inflammation. A physician may recommend treatment that involves surgery, physical therapy, or rest.
Heel bruising
Heel bruising in pickle ball is one of the most common injuries in this sport, and it can be caused by a number of factors. These factors include sudden changes in direction, playing on hard surfaces, wearing poorly-fitting shoes, and excessive foot rotation. Additionally, injuries to the heel may occur due to a combination of factors, so players should take time off from the sport if they are prone to heel bruising.
Proper footwear is a major factor in preventing heel bruising. You should purchase a soft shoe insert to absorb the impact of the hard court. You can also engage in foot and ankle exercises to strengthen the area. CBD Sports Recovery Gel is another good option for reducing inflammation and pain while playing pickleball. The gel helps the area heal more quickly and will also help relieve the discomfort caused by heel bruising.
Injuries to the ankles and wrists are among the most common injuries in pickleball, that is why you should avoid pickleball if you just had a knee replacement. The sudden changes of direction and movements in the game can cause strain on the ankle ligaments. Inversion ankle injuries can result in a foot that can barely put any weight on the injured area or severely impaired foot movements. In some cases, a brace can help prevent an ankle sprain from occurring, but it’s best to consult your physician to get the most appropriate treatment for your particular situation.
Back problems
In addition to shoulder and heel injuries, back problems are also common in pickleball. The repetitive motion of swinging the paddle can cause strain on the muscles and ligaments in the back. Additionally, the quick movements required to return the ball can also cause strain on the back. Some simple tips to prevent back problems include maintaining good posture, using proper equipment, and stretching before and after playing.
Pickleball elbow
One of the most common injuries in pickleball is elbow tendonitis, also known as “pickleball elbow.” This condition is caused by the repetitive motion of the arm during the game. The symptoms include pain, tenderness, and swelling in the elbow joint. Treatment for this condition includes rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the damaged tissue.
Rotator cuff tendonitis
Shoulder pain is a common symptom of rotator cuff tendonitis in players of pickleball. Often accompanied by a nagging shoulder pain, it is difficult to get rid of and affects the way you play the game. Rotator cuff tendonitis is not a definite cause for surgery; the condition is treatable and often resolves on its own with some rest.
Conservative treatments for rotator cuff tendonitis in players of pickleball include rest, icing, and anti-inflammatory medications. However, pain often returns after the injury has healed. Further evaluation may be necessary to rule out a tear of the rotator cuff. Most tears do not result from an injury, but develop gradually with age and activity. Therefore, a doctor’s visit is the best way to get the right diagnosis.
Plantar fasciitis
When you play pickleball, you can suffer from an injury called plantar fasciitis. This is a common injury associated with repetitive stress and overuse on the heel bone. If this is not properly treated, it can lead to inflammation and microtraumas. The good news is that there are several simple ways to prevent this injury.
How to Avoid Injuries
Among the most common sports injuries, pickleball is no exception. Even though the sport can be fun, injuries can also be extremely dangerous. Here are some tips for preventing pickleball injuries. Take your health seriously and follow these tips to protect your body. In addition to the below tips, you should also use common sense.
Proper warm-up is critical to avoiding pickleball injuries. Proper warm-up increases your energy production and helps your reflexes. Moreover, warm-up reduces the time needed by your muscles to contract and ensures full range of motion. A warm-up begins with light stretches to target the areas that are tight. You can also try light jogging to increase your heart rate. This will prevent injuries caused by sudden movements.
In addition to proper warm-up, players should always stretch before playing pickleball. A proper warm-up time is approximately 10 minutes long and should mirror common pickleball movements. In this time, players should jog slowly around the court, shuffle side to side, run backwards and stretch their arms, legs and neck. Make sure this routine is part of your daily practice before playing pickleball.
The risk of picking up a pickleball injury is similar to the one of tennis players. The stress placed on the elbow by swinging the paddle can result in small tears in the tendons of the elbow. A person may feel soreness near the elbow, aching or stiffness, or a generalized pain when moving the arm. Ultimately, this injury can cause a loss of control of your arm or even your entire arm.
What if an Injury Occurs?
Sometimes injuries are just too much to avoid. Your next move will depend on the severity of your injury. Emergency care is necessary if you are hit in the eye by the ball or experience vision loss or pain. A healthcare provider should be consulted immediately if you suspect that there has been a fall. An orthopedic surgeon is a specialist in treating bones, joints and muscles.
You should immediately see an orthopedic surgeon if your knee hurts and you feel your knee give way or a popping sound when moving the knee. If it’s a minor injury to a muscle or joint, RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) should be your first treatment. These, along with some over-the counter pain relievers, should help you get moving in as little as a few days or a week. An orthopedic surgeon should be consulted if your pain persists or you feel clicking or persistent swelling.
Shoulder injuries that cause pain or persistent difficulty raising your arm above your shoulder height should be examined by a healthcare provider. Referrals to orthotics may also be required. An overuse injury could also be indicated by chronic pain radiating from the heel, elbow, wrist or heel. The first thing you should do is to rest and ice. Targeted stretching exercises are a great way to improve tennis wrist, elbow, and plantar fasciitis.
