Are you a pickleball player in Springfield? Then you know that injuries can happen. In this article, we’ll explore five common pickleball injuries and provide you with tips on how to treat them.
From shoulder injuries to ankle sprains, tennis elbow to knee strains, and wrist fractures, we’ve got you covered.
So, if you’re looking for ways to stay in the game and recover quickly, keep reading for valuable advice.
Pickleball Shoulder Injuries
If you experience shoulder pain while playing pickleball, you should seek medical attention to properly diagnose and treat the injury.
Shoulder injuries are one of the most common pickleball injuries and can greatly impact your ability to play the game.
Whether it’s a rotator cuff tear, shoulder impingement, or a dislocation, physical therapy is often recommended for rehabilitation and recovery.
Pickleball physical therapy can help improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the shoulder, allowing you to return to the game safely and with reduced pain.
Our physical therapy team specializes in treating pickleball injuries and can provide personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs.
Don’t let shoulder pain keep you off the court; seek the help of a professional to get back in the game.
Pickleball Ankle Sprains
To prevent ankle sprains while playing pickleball, you should regularly perform exercises that improve balance and strengthen the muscles in your lower legs. These exercises can help to stabilize your ankles and reduce the risk of injury.
One effective exercise is the single-leg balance. Stand on one leg and try to maintain your balance for 30 seconds before switching legs.
Another exercise is calf raises. Stand on the edge of a step or a raised platform with your heels hanging off. Slowly raise your heels as high as possible and then lower them back down. Repeat this movement for 10-15 repetitions.
Additionally, incorporating lateral movements, such as side lunges and lateral hops, can improve your ankle stability.
Remember to warm up before playing and wear supportive shoes to further protect your ankles.
Pickleball Tennis Elbow
Treat tennis elbow by incorporating exercises that strengthen your forearm muscles and improve flexibility. This condition, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is caused by repetitive motion and overuse of the forearm muscles.
To alleviate the pain and promote healing, start with wrist extensions and flexions. These exercises involve using a light dumbbell or resistance band to perform controlled movements that target the forearm muscles.
Additionally, incorporate forearm stretches into your routine to improve flexibility. One effective stretch is the wrist flexor stretch, where you extend your arm in front of you with your palm facing up and use your other hand to gently pull back on your fingers.
Remember to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your exercises to prevent further injury.
Pickleball Knee Strains
Strengthen your knee muscles and improve flexibility to treat knee strains in pickleball.
Knee strains can occur when sudden movements, such as pivoting or changing direction, put excessive stress on the knee joint.
To prevent and treat knee strains, it’s important to engage in regular exercises that target the muscles around the knee, such as quadriceps and hamstrings. Strengthening these muscles will provide better support and stability to the knee, reducing the risk of strains.
Additionally, incorporating flexibility exercises like stretching and yoga into your routine can help improve the range of motion in your knees and prevent injuries.
Remember to warm up properly before playing pickleball and listen to your body to avoid overexertion and potential knee strains.
Pickleball Wrist Fractures
If you experience a wrist fracture while playing pickleball, you should seek immediate medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment. Wrist fractures occur when one or more of the bones in your wrist break. This injury can result from a fall, direct impact, or excessive force on the wrist.
Common symptoms include severe pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the wrist. To treat a wrist fracture, the doctor may recommend immobilizing the wrist with a splint or cast to promote healing. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to realign the bones and ensure proper healing.
Following the doctor’s instructions and engaging in physical therapy can help regain strength and mobility in the wrist. It’s important to give your wrist enough time to heal before returning to pickleball to prevent further damage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pickleball injuries are common but can be effectively treated with the right approach. By addressing shoulder injuries, ankle sprains, tennis elbow, knee strains, and wrist fractures promptly and appropriately, players can recover and get back to enjoying the game they love.
Remember to listen to your body, seek medical attention when needed, and take the necessary steps to prevent future injuries through proper warm-up, stretching, and conditioning exercises.
Stay safe and have fun on the pickleball court! If you’re struggling through an injury or pain, remember our team at Back and Body Pain Relief and schedule an appointment today. We can help.
