Pickleball Playbook: 5 Ways to Prevent Injury While Playing!

Healthy Wealthy & Wise Dr. William T. Choctaw, MD, JD

PICKELBALL is a game resembling tennis in which players use paddles to hit a perforated plastic ball over a net.

• SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing sports in America, and with its increased popularity, the number of associated injuries has also risen. A new study presented at the 2024 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons(AAOS), "Trends in Pickleball- Related Fractures in the United States: An Analysis of the 2002-2022 National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) Database" found that there was a 90-fold increase in fractures over the past 20 years and most occurred in players ages 60-69.

• 1.Ankle Sprains: The quick lateral movements, sharp turns, and sudden stops in pickleball can lead to ankle sprains. To prevent this, consider using ankle braces for support. These devices immobilize the ankle, providing compression and stability, which reduces the risk of sprains and other injuries. Remember that ankle braces should complement proper technique and conditioning1.

  2.Elbow Tendinitis: Warm up before playing to prevent elbow tendinitis. This condition often occurs due to repetitive motions and strain on the elbow joint. Proper warm-up exercises can help reduce the risk1.

  3.Wrist Sprains: While playing pickleball, wear wrist support to protect your wrists. The game involves quick movements and impacts, which can strain the wrist joints1.

  4.Shoulder Injuries: Regularly perform shoulder strengthening exercises to keep your shoulder muscles strong and prevent injuries. The overhead shots in pickleball can put stress on the shoulder joint1.

  5.Knee Injuries: Choose proper shoes that provide good support for your knees. The right footwear can help prevent knee injuries during play1.

  INJURY PREVENTION
• 1. Warm up properly 5-10 minutes before the game.
• 2. Listen to your body: if you have chest pain, severe shortness of breath: stop and rest. If you have a new pain don't ignore it.
• 3. Get proper pickleball gear to use when you play.
• 4. Cross train when not playing pickleball to stay fit.
• 5. Know when pickleball injuries need medical attention.