The thrill and fun of playing Pickleball have made it popular across different parts of the world. Besides boosting friendly completion and sportsmanship, this incredible sport also works great for physical fitness while having fun with friends.
Since Pickleball is a sport that involves straining your body physically, it’s common to have some injury while playing it. Back pain, elbow tendonitis, and knee tendonitis are commonly occurring injuries with Pickleball. Read on to learn more about these injuries and suitable cures to overcome them.
1. Back Pain
Back pain is a common injury with Pickleball and can take the fun off of playing the game. The damage may occur from straining your back or throwing the ball instead of serving it. If you do not feel uncomfortable with back pain or tendonitis in your elbow and knee, you can consult professionals at QC Kinetix (Lubbock).
Back pain is a common health problem that affects millions of people worldwide. It can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and can significantly impact a person’s daily activities and quality of life.
Injuries, such as strains and sprains, can also lead to back pain. This can happen due to overexertion, lifting heavy objects improperly, or sudden movements that cause muscle tears. In severe cases, injuries can cause herniated discs or spinal fractures, which require medical attention.
Muscle strain is another common cause of back pain. This can happen due to overuse of muscles or repetitive motions, such as twisting, bending, or lifting. Muscle strain can cause stiffness and pain, which can last for a few days to several weeks.
Several non-invasive treatments can help you overcome pain and boost your recovery from injuries. Here are a few tips to help you avoid back pain in the first place:
- Adjust your position and body posture as per your liking. Having the correct posture will reduce the strain on your back and spine while playing Pickleball.
- Always throw the ball instead of serving it. This not only helps in reducing back pain but also prevents straining as against serving.
- Keep your back straight while throwing the ball by tightening your abdominal muscles and keeping your back arched while serving.
2. Elbow Tendinitis
This condition is caused due to overuse of elbow tendonitis. Tennis players are aware of this injury because they often see it in their games. It is also familiar to Pickleball players and can occur at any part of the body, like the elbow or shoulder. It would help if you considered the cause of it before deciding what measures to take.
- Doing some stretches from the beginning of the game can prevent elbow tendonitis.
- A hot and steamy shower will help in reducing the pain you are experiencing while playing Pickleball. The pain will subside with time, but with usage, this injury risk diminishes gradually.
- Make sure to take sufficient breaks between matches, followed by proper rest. After a long day at Pickleball court, keep yourself hydrated and take healthy sleep to allow your body to recover from all the hard work and strains.
Elbow tendinitis, also known as tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that causes pain and tenderness in the outer part of the elbow. It is a type of overuse injury that occurs when the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle, the bony bump on the outer part of the elbow, become inflamed.
The most common cause of elbow tendinitis is repetitive motion of the forearm and wrist, which can strain the tendons and cause small tears. This can occur with activities such as playing tennis, golfing, or using a computer mouse or keyboard for extended periods of time. However, anyone who engages in repetitive activities involving the forearm and wrist can develop elbow tendinitis.
Symptoms of elbow tendinitis include pain and tenderness on the outer part of the elbow, weakness in the forearm, and difficulty gripping or lifting objects. The pain may worsen with certain activities or movements, such as shaking hands or turning a doorknob.
3. Knee Tendonitis
A knee injury is another common problem with Pickleball. This injury is caused due to overuse. While playing Pickleball, if you move your leg in the wrong way, it can result in a knee tendonitis problem. Reduce the possibility of this happening by following these pre-game and post-game routines.
- Always keep your knees stable when taking shots from behind the baseline, and do not bend them too much.
- The best way to prevent this knee tendonitis is by stretching well before playing Pickleball and after completing every game.
Knee tendonitis, also known as patellar tendonitis or jumper’s knee, is a condition that occurs when the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap to the shinbone, becomes inflamed. This can cause pain and tenderness in the knee and may interfere with daily activities such as walking, running, or jumping.
Causes
Knee tendonitis can be caused by a variety of factors, including overuse, repetitive stress, or direct trauma to the knee. Athletes who participate in sports that involve a lot of jumping or running, such as basketball, volleyball, or soccer, are at increased risk for developing knee tendonitis. Other factors that may contribute to the development of knee tendonitis include:
- Poor conditioning or inadequate warm-up before physical activity
- Tight muscles or imbalanced muscle strength
- Improper footwear or equipment
- Flat feet or high arches
- Excessive weight or obesity
Symptoms
The most common symptom of knee tendonitis is pain and tenderness around the patellar tendon. This pain may be aggravated by physical activity or bending the knee. Other symptoms may include:
- Swelling or redness around the knee joint
- Stiffness or limited range of motion in the knee
- A popping or cracking sensation in the knee when walking or moving
Treatment
Treatment for knee tendonitis typically involves a combination of rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) to reduce inflammation and pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may also be helpful in reducing pain and inflammation.
Physical therapy may be recommended to improve muscle strength and flexibility, as well as to correct any imbalances or alignment issues that may be contributing to the problem. In some cases, a knee brace or taping may be used to provide support and stability to the knee joint during physical activity.
Injuries and pain are often common in sports like Pickleball, requiring lots of physical movement. However, you can always avoid injuries by taking some precautions and some consultation from professional physical therapists.