Pickle Ball, anyone? Avoid injury while enjoying summer sports

Pickleball is one of the fastest growing American sports and continues to rise as summer approaches. But as with many activities, injuries are likely to occur without proper technique and preparation.

Arati Dunbar, MDOrthopedic surgeon in Al Karama Health Medical Group – Sequoiashares how to prevent getting hurt while playing fun sports this summer.

“Over the past few years, I’ve definitely seen more injuries attributed to the pickle,” says Dr. Dunbar. “It is one of the fastest growing sports in America and is especially popular with middle-aged athletes.”

Play hard, stay safe

It is important to understand the risk of injury when playing pickleball and other racquet sports. Slipping, diving, falling and tripping are common ways to get hurt. Dr. Dunbar notes that the most common pickleball injuries are:

• Calf and Achilles breeds
• Rotator cuff tendinitis
• Tennis elbow
• knee injuries

Other injuries can, but are less likely, include things like wrist fractures and strains of the shoulder, hamstring, gluteal, or quadriceps.

prevent injuries

Fortunately, sports injuries—even from a pickle—are highly preventable. Dr. Dunbar always recommends warming up before doing any strenuous exercise or sports. “Dynamic warm-ups are great before an activity,” she says. “Stretching after warm-ups can also be helpful, but don’t stretch cold muscles.” Dr. Dunbar also stresses the importance of prioritizing stretching in people over the age of 60, as they are more susceptible to injury. Another way to prevent injuries is to start slow and work your way up at your speed and skill level.

Staying hydrated and getting plenty of nutrients such as carbohydrates to provide you with energy, and protein to aid muscle growth, can help prepare your body for strenuous activities. Having the right shoes, equipment, and clothing can prevent injuries and provide support.

When to ask for help

If you sustain an injury from a pickleball, you should treat it initially with the RICE protocol: rest, ice, compression, and evaluation by a medical provider. If there is a traumatic injury with concern of a fracture, Dr. Dunbar urges people to go to urgent care or a hospital emergency room and consider calling 911 if there is any deformity of the injured area or inability to bear weight.

main sockets

While enjoying and enjoying the warm weather this summer, a little preparation and care can go a long way. Warming up, stretching, hydrating, and fueling your body before any activity can help prevent injuries. If you get hurt while playing sports or playing sports this summer, try home care with RICE or consider calling 911 if it seems more serious.

If you think you may have a serious or chronic sports injury,Find a doctorThe “Dignity Health” tool can help you find a Dignity Health doctor near you.