Submitted By Capital Ortho
Did you know that pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America? If you have any doubt about that, I’d encourage you to show up to any local court in the evening. You will find it full of kids and adults having a blast every night of the week!
The sport is a cross between ping pong, badminton and tennis. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, the number of people playing pickleball grew by 159 percent over three years, to 8.9 million in 2022. Pickleball is gaining popularity because it’s easy to play, low impact, and appeals to a wide range of people, from young children to senior citizens.
You might gravitate to pickleball because it takes less of a toll on your body than sports like tennis. Pickleball is a safe sport and an excellent way to stay active. But as with any sport, there are a few common injuries you need to watch out for.
“Preparation is key in preventing pickleball injuries,” said Dr. Chad Hosemann, orthopedic surgeon at Capital Ortho. “Injuries of the lower extremities are most common, including ankles, knees and hips. Constant twisting and bending motions can aggravate low back issues. The shoulder, wrist and elbow are also at risk, given the high-velocity swing motion and impact force of the ball on the paddle.”
“Specifically, some of the more common injuries we see among picklers include tendonitis, fractures, sprains and tears. The reasons for injury typically include overuse of a particular body part, improper technique, improper equipment, or lack of a proper warmup.”
“Being aware of these potential injuries and preparing well to stay healthy is the best approach,” said Hosemann. “Always take a little time to stretch and warm up your muscles before playing, especially the calf muscles, hamstrings, quads, and shoulder muscles.
“Also, make sure that your gear isn’t putting you at risk. Proper footwear and the right paddles can make all the difference between an exciting game of pickleball and ankle or elbow injuries.”
Don’t let the threat of these potential injuries rain on your pickleball parade! However, if you’re in pain during or after a game, it might be time to seek medical attention. The sooner you get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, the sooner you can get back to the courts!
Capital Ortho’s team of 11 highly skilled and compassionate orthopedic surgeons are committed to helping you find ways to move better and live better! With locations in Flowood, Madison, Clinton, Kosciusko, Brookhaven and Hazlehurst, there is a Capital Ortho nearby and ready to serve you. Walk-ins are always welcome at our Flowood and Clinton clinic locations. For more info, visit capitalortho.com, follow Capital Ortho on social media, or call 601-987-8200.
