In a Pickle? Find Relief from Pickleball Injuries

Pickleball, a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis and ping-pong, is popular. While increasing physical activity has many health benefits, pickleball can cause injuries that may require medical treatment.

Common Pickleball Injuries

Pickleball involves quick motions and direction changes that may cause acute or chronic injuries.

“Strains to the hip, hamstrings or quadriceps or sprains to the ankle are probably the most common acute injuries from pickleball,” said Stacy Lynch, MD, physical medicine and rehabilitation and sports medicine physician. Dr. Lynch practices at the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin Orthopaedic, Sports and Spine Centers in Menomonee Falls and at the West Bend Health Center.

Strains involve overstretching or tearing a muscle, while sprains involve overstretching or tearing a ligament. Both can happen when the body is not prepared for a certain amount of force or motion — for example, if muscles are stiff or weak due to inactivity. Falling while playing can also cause fractures, particularly in the wrist. Repetitive movements may cause chronic injuries, such as tendinitis (inflammation) of the knee, elbow or shoulder tendons.

“With pickleball players, we also see chronic flare-ups of hip, knee or ankle arthritis,” said Joe Fleming, DPT, a physical therapist who practices at the Froedtert & MCW Sports Medicine Center in Wauwatosa.

Comprehensive Approach to Treatment

“For mild and moderate pickleball injuries, I take a conservative treatment approach whenever possible,” Dr. Lynch said.

At-home treatments like the R.I.C.E. method (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation) can support healing. A brace may help support joints if a ligament is injured. Physical therapy provides targeted exercises that reduce pain, improve mobility and strengthen muscles. It can also prevent future injuries by strengthening muscles.

If mild or moderate discomfort is not improving over time or daily activities are difficult, medical evaluation and treatment are important. Also, seek medical care for severe, sudden pain or mobility problems. If surgery is needed for a serious injury, the Froedtert & MCW health network offers comprehensive orthopaedic care. With the right treatment, people can often return to normal activities and sports safely.

In addition, the Froedtert & MCW Sports Performance and Fitness Training Program helps people improve their sports performance, including pickleball, and helps prevent injuries. 

“It’s always better to catch an injury early because we can often prevent it from worsening,” Fleming said.

The Froedtert & MCW Sports Medicine Program provides comprehensive sports-based programs to treat and prevent injury, aid recovery and enhance performance. For an appointment, call 414-777-7700. For more information, visit froedtert.com/sports.