Pickleball Injuries

There are many reasons for the high rate of injuries seen with Pickleball athletes.  Although played on a smaller court than tennis, the quicker movements from side to side and front to back put many body parts at risk for injury.  Some of the causes of injury include: poor warm-up, lack of pre-exercise and post-exercise stretching, quick short bursts of movement, improper shoe wear, weak core strength and balance deficiencies.

Some common injuries include: achilles tendon inflammation or rupture, shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis/bursitis/impingement or tears, patella tendonitis or partial tears, elbow inflammation/epicondylitis, and lower back pain.

These injuries can usually be treated with a combination of rest, ice, NSAIDs, activity modification, physical therapy, injections, and possibly surgical repair.

Author

Drew Stein Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in Sports Medicine