Are you a “pickler?” It’s estimated that 14% of all Americans have played pickleball at least once, and that 8.5 million people have played eight itmes or more. According to the USA Pickleball Association, half of all regular players who hit the courts eight or more times per year are 55 and older. Though pickleball is gaining more of a multi-generational following as it continues to increase in popularity, it remains especially popular among older adults and others trying to get back in shape.
Beau Sasser, MD, board-certified orthopaedic surgeon at Summit Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Surgery and medical director of the Southeast Georgia Health System Sports Medicine Program, notes that we’re seeing the popularity of America’s fastest growing sport in our communities, too. “It’s an easy sport to get into, but more demanding than people think. It is played on a smaller, harder court than tennis and requires a lot of small, side to side motion,” explains Sasser. For these reasons, Sasser is seeing more patients with pickleball injuries. He adds, “Most pickleball injuries are lower extremity sprains and strains in the ankles, quadriceps, knees and Achilles tendons.”
Playing Safe and Pain-free
As with any sport, it’s wise to warm up before play. If you are not already active, start slow and pace yourself. “You can play several pickleball games in one day, but once fatigue and dehydration set in, footwork gets sloppy, and people get hurt. Stay hydrated and take a break when you’re tired,” Sasser says. Poor footwork can lead to knee and ankle injuries. “The quick turns required in pickleball can twist the knee. Wearing a knee or ankle compression sleeve helps. A sleeve stabilizes the joint and keeps it warmer and less stiff.”
Many players also overlook a key safety factor: proper footwear. “A lot of people play in basic running shoes. A hard-court shoe is more rigid and provides better ankle support which decreases the risk of injuries.”
If you have a weak joint, have it evaluated by an orthopaedic physician before jumping on the pickleball bandwagon. Sasser also suggests applying ice after play and taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine like ibuprofen or Tylenol afterwards.
Anything that gets Americans off the couch and active is a great trend. Remember Sasser’s advice, and you, too, can become a healthy, happy “pickler.”
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Sasser, call Summit Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Surgery at 912.466.7340.
Reprinted with the permission of Southeast Georgia Health System
