Play it for social and physical fun: Learn about injuries that can occur
This September, an interesting article on pickleball provided information about the growth of the sport, and injuries that can occur acutely or chronically with pickleball play (JAAOS, 2024).
Pickleball is growing fast in the U.S. Its invention is credited to Joel Pritchard in Washington in 1965. Now it is played in all 50 states, with an average of 130 new locations available for play every month!
Most acute injuries seen are strains or sprains (33%) and fractures (28%). The wrist and lower leg are the most common injury sites. A wrist fracture from a fall on an outstretched hand is one of the more common and sometimes serious injuries one can sustain. If you fall hard onto your wrist and have severe pain that does not resolve quickly, a wrist x-ray to rule out fracture is prudent. Ankle sprains are common as well. Sprains and strains should generally be treated with rest, ice and elevation, with time off of sport to allow for the inflammation to decrease. A gradual return to sport can then be possible, sometimes through the guidance of a sports physician and physical therapist. Other more common acute injuries include achilles tendon strains or ruptures, hip or groin injuries, and low back pain. Hip or groin conditions include strains and tears of the muscles about the hip. Racquet sports require a lot of movement side to side, and the hip adductor muscles of the inner thigh or abductor muscles of the outer thigh, are commonly injured muscles. Groin pain after play that slowly resolves, but is recurrent with pickleball or other weight bearing activity, can be indicative of hip arthritis. If this occurs, it’s time to see me!
Longer-term, or chronic, injuries from pickleball include wrist tendonitis (especially of the extensor carpi ulnaris), lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) and rotator cuff injuries. Also be cautious to prevent eye injuries and heat-related injury during the hot months.
Pickleball is social and active. The article notes the importance of both of these factors on physical and psychosocial health. So be active! Get out and enjoy the physical and social aspects of sports like pickleball.
