Pickleball and paddleball are popular sports because they are easy to learn and fun to play. Unfortunately, the repetitive motion of swinging a paddle or hitting a ball can cause strains and injuries over time.  “With nearly 5 million players in the US alone, we’ve seen our fair share of pickleball and paddle ball-related injuries and anticipate more given the growing popularity of the pickleball,” says Sam Cheesman, MD, fellowship-trained hand specialist.

The most common pickleball and paddleball injuries include:

Shoulder Injuries

The most common type of injury caused by pickleball or paddleball is shoulder pain. Many athletes experience a dull ache in the shoulder that worsens over time, leading to decreased range of motion and difficulty lifting their arm up. These types of shoulder injuries can be treated with rest, ice, and physical therapy. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the shoulder joint.

Wrist Injuries

Wrist injuries are also common among pickleball or paddleball players due to the repetitive motion involved with swinging a paddle or hitting a ball. Symptoms of wrist injury include pain at the base of the thumb and decreased range of motion. Treatment can range from rest and anti-inflammatory medication to surgery, depending on the severity of the injury.

Knee Injuries

Knee injuries are less common but still possible with pickleball or paddleball. These types of injuries are usually caused by sudden movements, such as stopping or changing direction quickly during a game. Symptoms of knee injury include pain, swelling, and decreased range of motion. Treatment for knee injuries depends on the severity of the injury but may include rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery.

If you’ve experienced an injury while playing pickleball or paddleball and have been experiencing any type of pain or discomfort, it’s important to speak with your doctor or orthopedic surgeon to determine the best course of action. At ROC, our team of experienced surgeons is here to help you get back on your feet and back in the game. Contact us today for more information about how we can help you!

Prevention Tips

Even with the proper safety equipment and technique, injuries can still occur. To help prevent injuries while playing pickleball or paddleball, it’s important to stay in shape and stretch regularly before each game. Additionally, wear the appropriate safety gear such as eye protection, knee pads, ankle braces, etc. Finally, make sure you warm up your muscles before playing by taking a few minutes to walk around and do some light stretching of your arms, legs, and trunk.

By taking some preventative measures, you can help ensure that your time playing is safe and enjoyable. If you have any questions or need additional information about injury prevention tips while playing these sports, contact ROC! We are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care for our patients – preventative and post-injury.

Treatment Options

If you have experienced a pickleball or paddleball-related injury, treatment options vary depending on the severity of the injury. For mild injuries such as strains or sprains, treatment may include RICE:

• Rest
• Ice
• Compression
• Elevation

More serious injuries may require physical therapy or even surgery to repair any damage done to the area.

Safety First

Playing pickleball and paddleball can be a fun way to stay active and socialize with friends. But it’s important to keep safety in mind by taking some preventative measures before heading out onto the court.

Remember – playing pickleball and paddleball should be fun, but most importantly, it should be safe. Follow these tips for injury prevention, and always contact your doctor if you experience any pain or discomfort.

Need Help? Contact ROC Today

If you are experiencing pain from a pickleball or paddleball-related injury, our professional team at ROC is here to help. We can provide you with a thorough evaluation and determine the best course of action for your injury. So don’t wait; contact us today for more information and get back on the court in no time!

You can reach our office at 503-656-0836 to learn more about the services we provide.