Pickleball Pain? What's Causing It and How to Stay in the Game Longer

Pickleball has a curious spot in sports: it was created as a family game in the 1960s, blending racquet-based games like ping pong, tennis, and badminton; it has a range of players across many age groups and is played globally. Not bad for something commonly thought to be named after the pet dog, though it’s more likely named after a boat.

Like any sport or intense physical activity, pickleball is bound to take its toll on joints and muscles, and if you’re struggling with pain from this activity, we have some ways to help you rehab the problem and get you back in the game. Let’s get more information about the injuries that often come from playing pickleball, how to avoid them, and how they’re treated.

Dr. Joseph Daniels and the experienced medical staff at Southwest Orthopedic Associates can help Fort Worth, Texas, residents recover from injuries sustained during intense physical activity and numerous sports, including pickleball.

Common pickleball injuries

Whether you’ve just started playing pickleball or have been at it for years, these are some common injuries to look out for:

Fractures

Cracks, breaks, or fractures in the bones and joints can occur in the wrist and forearm, with a Colles' fracture being a common problem.

Sprains and strains

The pulling or tearing of ligaments and muscles can happen in many parts of the body, but is highly common in the hips, legs (hip flexors, quadriceps, hamstrings), and ankles.

Achilles tendinopathy or tendonitis

Overuse injuries affecting the Achilles tendon are often caused by quick starts and stops on the court.

Shoulder injuries

Overworking and inflaming the shoulder can result in damage to the rotator cuff and other tendons and muscles in this essential joint for pickleball.

Elbow injuries

Jokingly called the cousin of tennis elbow, lateral epicondylitis comes from overuse of the tendon in your elbow.

Lower back strain

Hunching, bending, and twisting constantly during this sport can strain the muscles and ligaments in this area.

Prevention and treatment options

To manage your injuries from pickleball or other sports, our treatment options include physical and occupational therapy, activity modification, and regenerative medicine. We also recommend the RICE method (rest, ice, compression, and elevation), weight loss, quitting habits like smoking, and over-the-counter medications to manage pain.

Additionally, several methods can help prevent injuries, such as a proper warm-up regimen, strengthening exercises, braces and supports, proper gear and footwear, and staying hydrated.

Pickleball is a fun sport that’s great for exercise and physical health. Work to avoid getting injured, and if something does happen, make an appointment with Dr. Daniels and his team today to get help.