Pickleball players commonly experience injuries such as ankle sprains, knee strains, pulled hamstrings, tendonitis, and injuries from falls. Ankle sprains often occur due to sudden stops and side-to-side movements, and can be managed with ice, compression, elevation, and pain relievers. Knee strains, especially in older players with arthritis, result from twisting motions and benefit from similar treatments and strengthening exercises like side-lying leg lifts. Pulled hamstrings typically happen from inadequate warm-up and sudden muscle contractions, with stretching and icing recommended for recovery. Tendonitis arises from repetitive motions, particularly in beginners, and requires rest alongside anti-inflammatory measures.
Fall-related injuries often involve the hands, wrists, shoulders, or head, necessitating prompt medical evaluation if pain or symptoms like confusion or vision changes occur. Preventative exercises such as heel raises for ankle strength, side-lying leg lifts for knee support, hamstring stretches, and single-leg balance drills can help reduce injury risk by improving muscle strength and balance. Overall, proper warm-up, gradual conditioning, and rest are key to avoiding and managing pickleball-related injuries.
