In 2022, the Sports and Fitness Industry Association said pickleball was the fastest growing sport in America with 4.8 million people playing at the time. Last year, the Association of Pickleball Players said the number of players in the United States climbed to 36.5 million.

It’s fast-paced, a serious workout and a great way to meet friends and spend time with loved ones. About nine parks in Lee County and many communities have access to pickleball courts and it’s now a favorite among players of all ages.

Here are some ways to make sure your body is in tip-top shape so you can play your best game yet and an injury doesn’t take you out of a match.

What is pickleball?

Pickleball is a combination of tennis, badminton and table tennis. It’s normally played on a badminton-sized court with a low net and players use paddles made of wood or composite materials to hit a plastic perforated ball back and forth. Like tennis, it can be played as singles or doubles and the rules are similar to tennis as well.

What are some common pickleball injuries?

Injuries from overuse can develop over time, including shoulder or knee pain. If players notice they need to take more frequent breaks due to that pain, it could be a sign of an overuse injury. It will happen gradually and may not be something the player initially notices.

Like tennis elbow, pickleball elbow is also common. It is inflammation or irritation of one of the large tendons on the outside of the elbow.

Keep an eye on your body and make an appointment with a physician if you experience intense swelling, can’t move the part of your body that’s injured, if anything looks deformed or you hear a “pop” after an injury or fall.

The strains and sprains of pickleball

Like other racquet sports, sprains/strains of the lower extremities, sprains/strains of the upper extremities and injuries of the trunk and lower back are the most common pickleball injuries. This is because these are the muscles and areas of the body that are used to actively move around the court and hit the ball.

Sprained ankles and pulled hamstrings are some examples of acute injuries during a pickleball game. Sometimes all it takes is one specific movement in which the player steps wrong or lunges for a ball to hurt the muscle. If an injury does occur, the best thing a player can do is take a break.

It’s best to see a doctor if an injury is so severe that it hurts to put weight on it or if there is a considerable amount of swelling. An X-ray can rule out a major injury to the bone or other area of concern.

What can I do before a game to help prevent injuries?

One of the best things players can do is to know their bodies. If you have a prior injury or are prone to knee problems or another issue, accommodate those things and know when your body is reaching its limit.

Stretching before and after a game will also go a long way toward helping your body prepare for and cool down after a match, with particular focus on the calf muscles and hamstrings. If you’ve been hitting the courts hard and your body is feeling tired, rest for a few days before participating in another match.

If you’re new to the game, start slowly and don’t push yourself more than you need to. Make sure you’re using the right equipment and wearing the proper footwear.

If you haven’t been active in a long time, it’s also a good idea to get a wellness exam and talk to your doctor before considering the sport.

For more information and to make an appointment with a physician, please visit leehealth.org.

Dr. Diana Young is an orthopedic surgeon with the Lee Health Musculoskeletal Institute.