The sport of pickleball is growing in popularity and has become a favorite pastime of Floridians. Although played casually by people of all ages, the game requires fast movements and sudden reactions that can pose a risk of injury for adults and seniors. Here’s what you need to know to avoid a pickleball injury.

NIH research indicates that there are over 19,000 pickleball-related sports injuries annually – and that 90% of those needing treatment were over 50. The most frequent injuries reported in the research study were strains and sprains (28.7%) and fractures (27.7%).

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Common Pickleball Injuries

Shoulder Sprains: The shoulder area is especially vulnerable to pickleball injuries, including the rotator cuff. These are known as “overuse injuries,” a result of overextending the joint repeatedly. The majority of shoulder injuries, however, are muscle strains that can cause pain and inflammation and inhibit range of motion.

Impact Injuries: Many pickleball injuries are caused by players slipping and falling onto the hard court. In these situations, ankle sprains and wrist fractures often occur. The impact of running back and forth across the court can also lead to a sore or stiff back or heel bruising if proper footwear is not worn.

Achilles Tendonitis: This painful lower leg injury is also an overuse injury caused by repeated strain and tears along the Achilles tendon. The damage typically results in pain, stiffness, and swelling.

Pickleball Elbow: Tennis and golf elbow have long been known to area weekend warriors, and pickleball elbow is a similar injury that affects the elbow’s tendons and ligaments. Repeated movements over time cause painful tendinitis, aggravated by improper form. Engaging in long hours of pickleball with poor technique can lead to a significant amount of tears in the tendons and ligaments of your elbow.

Preventing a Pickleball Injury

While pickleball may seem easy and less strenuous than other sports, preparing for any physical activity requires the same types of precautions, including:

  • stretching muscles before playing to avoid tears and strains.
  • wearing shoes that fit properly and adequately support the back and legs
  • staying hydrated to maintain reaction time and clear thinking

If you have any preexisting issues with your back, hamstrings, or knees, the rapid movements involved in pickleball can cause these problems to flare up. Being competitive and playing sports is great for many people, but you may have to forgo that point if it could cause further injury.

Chiropractic Care for Injuries

The best treatment for these types of overuse injuries is holistic and natural, making chiropractic care an excellent option.

Many people wait for their pain to subside and then resume their activity – but incomplete healing can cause the inflammation to return and reinjury to occur. Chiropractic care can help tendonitis-type injuries to heal completely, avoiding a reoccurrence.

Once the diagnosis is confirmed via X-rays or MRIs, your chiropractor will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that is both natural and effective. Like all chiropractic methods, treatment will focus on the root cause of the pain and discomfort, not just the symptoms.

The chiropractor may utilize inflammation-reducing techniques such as ice, electrical muscle stimulation, rest, and bracing. These methods loosen the tendon and reduce inflammation. Once the inflammation has been managed, strategies such as massage, physical therapy, or joint manipulation may be employed.

At Integrated Chiropractic, we provide innovative care for a full range of sports injuries, including pickleball, tennis, and golf. Whether you live in Sarasota or are visiting the area, there is no need to suffer through pain and inflammation – call today to learn more.