Posted on September 19 2023
Pickleball is a fun and relatively low-impact sport, but like any physical activity, injuries happen. As the sport continues its dramatic rise in popularity so to does the occurrence of injury. The main types of injuries are muscle strains (low back muscle strains), sprains, and the usual racquet injuries found in sports such as tennis. Here are a some of few popular injuries we see at ActiveWrap® from pickleball and some basic guidelines on how to treat them.
Sprained Ankle:
Any where there is lateral change of direction in sport you will find an ankle sprain. Pickleball is no different. Treatment: RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) is the initial approach. Avoid putting weight on the injured ankle and use crutches if necessary. Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications can help with pain and swelling. Consult a healthcare professional for severe sprains.
Tennis Elbow/Pickleball Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis):
Pickleball elbow injuries occurs from repetitive swinging motions. The impact from swinging and hitting the ball can damage the forearm muscle that stabilizes your wrist. Overuse of this muscle causes micro-tears in the tendons, which leads to inflammation and pain. Treatment: Rest is crucial to allow the affected tendons to heal. Ice the area to reduce inflammation. A great tool for this is the ActiveWrap Elbow Ice Wrap. Wearing an elbow brace or splint can help provide support. Physical therapy exercises can strengthen the forearm muscles. In some cases, a doctor may recommend corticosteroid injections or other treatments.
Rotator Cuff Strain:
Pickleball serves may be underhand and not overhead which reduces typical shoulder injuries. However, poor technique and taking good swipes at shots can still lead to shoulder injury. Treatment: Rest and ice the affected shoulder (ActiveWrap Shoulder Ice Pack simplifies this) to reduce pain and inflammation. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used as directed. Physical therapy can help improve shoulder strength and flexibility. For severe cases, a doctor may recommend corticosteroid injections or even surgery.
Hamstring Strain:
Treatment: Rest is crucial for healing. Apply ice to the affected area to reduce swelling. Compression and elevation can also help. Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises should be started once pain subsides. Consult a healthcare professional if the strain is severe.
Remember, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan if you suspect a serious injury. In many cases, early intervention and following recommended treatment guidelines can help you recover faster and prevent long-term issues. Additionally, taking preventive measures such as proper warm-ups, stretching, and using the right equipment can reduce the risk of these injuries in pickleball.