If you haven’t heard of pickleball yet, you will soon. This fast-paced game is now the fastest growing sport in America, and it’s popular with all ages. The game is a blend of ping pong, badminton and tennis, played on a court like a tennis court but slightly smaller. Picture in your mind four people playing doubles at pickleball, zooming back and forth across the court, with lots of quick starts and stops and pivots. It’s easy to see how the game can lead to stress on your joints or even injury.
Here at Foster Chiropractic Sports & Wellness, we have found the most common pickleball injuries are overuse injuries similar to other sports like golf and tennis.
Pickleball elbow (like tennis elbow) occurs from improper form while playing with the racket or repetitive motions.
Shoulder pain or rotator cuff injuries occur with overextension of the shoulder. Over time this can damage the muscles, causing pain and inflammation while reducing your full range of motion.
Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis can flare up from the repetitive pounding on the court and high impact on your lower legs.
Tips to Prevent Pickleball Injuries
Make sure you’re at your competitive best by doing a few simple things. First and foremost, stay hydrated. It’s always important to drink the recommended 64 ounces of water a day, but it’s even more of a priority when you are exercising. Be aware of how your body feels and drink more water if necessary to reduce fatigue. It’s also important to stretch regularly before each game of pickleball. We also recommend regular strength training exercises above and beyond your pickleball games. Keeping your muscles in top shape provides the support you need to prevent knee, shoulder and elbow injuries.
Finally, a visit to the chiropractor before you start playing pickleball, and regular visits along the way, can help get your body in top shape to hit the courts. A spinal adjustment can help reduce inflammation, improve strength, increase range of motion and boosts the immune system.
Of course, if you’re feeling pain or have had a pickleball related injury, chiropractic care can help with that discomfort as well. Dr. Foster at Foster Chiropractic is one of the few chiropractors in NC certified in treating extremities, which is helpful for tennis elbow or pickleball elbow, plantar fasciitis, or any other strains you might experience.