How Pickleball Players Can Prevent Common Injuries

Worcester Orthopedic Surgeon Shares Pickleball Injury-Prevention Tips

By-Hank Stolz
Graphic-Radio Worcester/Saint Vincent Hospital

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Worcester, MA- Dr. Phil Lahey, an orthopedic surgeon at Saint Vincent Hospital in Worcester, discusses common pickleball injuries and what players can do to reduce their risk.

While pickleball can be enjoyed by people of different ages and fitness levels, the sport’s quick lateral movements, rotational motions and lunging actions can place considerable stress on the knees, ankles and Achilles tendon.

“One of the nice things about pickleball is that I think it’s scalable to different body types and different levels of activity,” Dr. Lahey says.

A Proper Warm-Up Is the First Line of Defense

According to Dr. Lahey, warming up properly is the single most important injury-prevention measure for pickleball players, regardless of age.

“Warming up properly before playing is incredibly important,” he says. “Getting a good light sweat going before you actually start playing is a good idea.”

Players should give their bodies time to become warm and mobile before immediately attempting the quick changes of direction required during a game.

Choose Shoes Designed for Lateral Movement

Appropriate footwear is also important. Dr. Lahey recommends stable, well-cushioned athletic shoes that provide adequate support.

Court shoes are generally better suited to pickleball than conventional running shoes because they are designed to accommodate side-to-side movement. Running shoes are primarily designed for forward motion and may not provide the same lateral stability.

“I tell patients all the time, you really have to listen to your body a little bit and figure out what you need as an individual,” Dr. Lahey says.

Returning to Pickleball After a Long Break

For people returning to sports after a period of inactivity—or even after a major procedure such as a knee or hip replacement—pickleball may still be an option with appropriate preparation and medical guidance.

“It might be good to take a class or two to sort of get used to the movements that are specific to pickleball,” Dr. Lahey says.

A class can help returning players learn proper positioning, footwork and movement patterns before competing in a faster-paced game.

When Pickleball Pain May Require Medical Attention

Some muscle soreness after a player’s first few sessions can be normal. Persistent joint pain, sharp localized pain or pain that begins after a sudden twist, awkward landing or fall should not be ignored.

Those symptoms may warrant an evaluation by a qualified medical professional—particularly when the pain does not improve, interferes with walking or is accompanied by swelling or instability.

Learn more about Dr. Lahey and Worcester Orthopedics at worcesterortho.com.