When you think about sports injuries, you might picture baseball diamonds or football fields. But what about pickleball courts? An article recently published by Bloomberg reported that pickleball injuries may cost Americans almost $400 million this year. Below, we explore some of the most common pickleball injuries and explain what you can do to avoid getting hurt.
What Are the Most Common Pickleball Injuries?
Similar to badminton, tennis, and ping-pong, pickleball involves using paddles to hit a plastic ball back and forth over a net until one player misses. Although pickleball is a relatively low-impact sport, it’s still fairly common for players to sustain injuries, particularly in their lower back, shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles. Some of the most common pickleball injuries include:
- Arthritis flare-ups
- Fractures
- Herniated discs
- Labral tears
- Meniscus tears
- Muscle strains
- Rotator cuff tears
- Sprains
- Tendinitis
How to Prevent Pickleball Injuries
There are numerous steps you can take to avoid getting hurt on the pickleball court. For example, you should:
- Wear appropriate shoes
- Remove any debris from the court
- Warm up and stretch before playing
- Use proper form and techniques
- Cool down and stretch after playing
- Drink plenty of water
Do You Need Treatment for a Pickleball Injury?
If you’re in the Tampa Bay region, you can entrust your care to the skilled team at Tampa Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Group, a division of Florida Medical Clinic. We’ve been serving the greater Tampa area since 1949, and we’re pleased to provide treatment for a wide range of orthopaedic conditions, including pickleball injuries. We even offer sports rehabilitation services. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at a date and time that’s convenient for you.
