Pickleball is a fun and fast-paced sport that offers a unique and enjoyable experience for players of all ages and skill levels. Not only is it a fun way to stay active and socialize, but it can also cause some injuries if you’re not careful. The most common injuries in pickleball are Ankle strain, wrist strain, Achilles tendonitis, Shoulder strain.
4 Most Common Injuries In Pickleball
These are the 4 most common injuries that a player might face while playing pickleball. It doesn’t matter, you’re energetic young person or an elderly person these injuries can happen to anyone who indulge to the sport.
Ankle Strains
These happen when you twist or roll your ankle while changing directions quickly on the court. They can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. This is one of the most common injury in pickleball. To prevent this you should wear proper pickleball shoes, warm up before playing and avoid uneven surfaces.
Achilles Tendonitis
These affect the band of tissue that connects your calf muscle to your heel bone. They are caused by overuse, sudden movements, or stop-and-go actions. They can cause sharp pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the back of your ankle. To prevent them, you should stretch your calf muscles, avoid playing on hard surfaces, and gradually increase your intensity.
Wrist Strains
These occur when you overstretch or tear the ligaments in your wrist while trying to catch yourself from a fall or hitting the ball with force. They can cause bruising, swelling, and limited range of motion in your wrist. To prevent them, you should wear wrist braces, practice proper technique, and avoid falling on your outstretched hand.
Shoulder Strains
These affect the muscles and tendons that surround your shoulder joint. They are caused by repetitive use, overhead motions, or poor posture. They can cause pain, stiffness, and weakness in your shoulder.
How To Prevent These Injuries
To prevent these injuries you should follow these steps
- Warm up before playing pickleball by doing light cardio and dynamic stretches.
- Use proper technique when swinging your paddle and moving around the court.
- Wear supportive shoes and use a paddle that is the right size and weight for you.
- Take breaks when you need them. If you are feeling pain, stop playing and rest.
If you experience any of these injuries playing pickleball or tennis, you should consult a doctor or a physical therapist for diagnosis and treatment.
Furthermore, you should also rest the injured area, apply ice or heat as needed and elevate it if possible. You should avoid playing pickleball until you are fully recovered to prevent further damage.
Some Factors Cause These Injuries In Pickleball
These are some of the main factors that causes these common injuries to the players,
- Overuse: Pickleball is a relatively new sport, so many people are not used to the repetitive motions involved. This can lead to overuse injuries.
- Improper technique: If you are not using the proper technique when swinging your paddle or moving around the court, you are more likely to get injured.
- Lack of warm-up: Warming up before playing pickleball helps to prepare your body for the activity and reduce your risk of injury.
- Improper equipment: Wearing the wrong shoes or using a paddle that is too heavy or too light can increase your risk of injury.
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