Pickleball is a popular sport that is enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. It's a fast-paced, fun game that can also be quite demanding on your body. Injuries can happen at any time, but with proper preparation and preventive measures, you can reduce your risk of injury and keep playing the sport you love. Here are 7 common pickleball injuries and ways to prevent them.
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Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) Tennis elbow is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the outside part of your elbow. It is caused by repetitive motion, such as the repeated overhead serve in pickleball, which can strain the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle. To prevent tennis elbow, it's important to properly warm up and stretch before playing, use proper technique when serving and hitting, and use proper equipment, such as a paddle with good shock absorption.
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Wrist Sprains Wrist sprains are common in pickleball due to the repetitive wrist motions used in serving and hitting the ball. To prevent wrist sprains, it's important to warm up and stretch your wrist before playing, use proper technique, and wear wrist braces or support devices if necessary.
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Knee Injuries Knee injuries, such as sprains and strains, can occur in pickleball from the quick movements and changes of direction required in the game. To prevent knee injuries, make sure to warm up and stretch before playing, use proper technique, and wear knee braces or support devices if necessary.
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Ankle Sprains Ankle sprains can occur in pickleball from the quick movements and changes of direction required in the game. To prevent ankle sprains, make sure to wear proper footwear with good support and make sure to warm up and stretch before playing.
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Shoulder Injuries Shoulder injuries can occur in pickleball from the repetitive overhead motion and the quick movements required in the game. To prevent shoulder injuries, make sure to warm up and stretch before playing, use proper technique, and strengthen your shoulder muscles with exercise and conditioning.
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Back Pain Back pain can occur in pickleball from the repetitive twisting and turning required in the game. To prevent back pain, make sure to warm up and stretch before playing, use proper technique, and maintain good posture and proper form.
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Heat Exhaustion Heat exhaustion can occur in pickleball during hot weather when you are playing for an extended period of time. To prevent heat exhaustion, make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, take frequent breaks, and avoid playing during the hottest part of the day.
In conclusion, by being aware of these common pickleball injuries and taking preventive measures, you can reduce your risk of injury and keep playing the sport you love. Remember to warm up and stretch before playing, use proper technique, wear proper equipment and footwear, and stay hydrated. With these precautions in place, you can enjoy pickleball safely and injury-free.
