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It’s a new national obsession, the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. And by the end of 2023, it's expected to yield roughly 67,000 emergency department visits, 366,000 outpatient visits, 8,800 outpatient surgeries, 4,700 hospitalizations, and 20,000 post-acute injury episodes. All told, UBS Group AG financial analysts have forecast that the direct medical costs of pickleball will top $377 million this year alone, mostly due to wrist, lower leg, head, or lower trunk injuries
So why is one of the most popular and easily accessed sports associated with falls, tears, strains, and sprains? More importantly, what can pickleball players (also known as “picklers”) – especially the 60-and-older crowd – do before play to prevent injuries and avoid a trip to the ER?
Several good friends that are Orthopods and PT say that they are seeing an alarming increase in pickleball injuries
One thing that they are saying is that regular high grip shoes are a definite no-no!
One thing that they are saying is that regular high grip shoes are a definite no-no!
Well here's my two cents.
I play competitively.
I stretch (yoga poses) for about 30-40 minutes every day.
I lift weights 2x a week.
I do cardio (45 minutes) 3x a week.
I also watch my weight. Lots of players are overweight, I'll assume that is a contributing factor to all these injuries. (IMHO)
And I moved off of court shoes real quick - had the grip thing happen to me.
I now play in high top basketball shoes.
Just wrapped up 5 tourneys in the last 6 weeks - injury free.
Here are my tips for seniors for avoiding injuries while playing pickleball:
1. Don't back up. If you have to move rearward, turn and then move to the ball.
2. Tennis shoes (sneakers) with good, thick, sturdy soles work well. Don't have extra long laces that you might step on.
3. Keep your weight under control. If you're overweight, then your risk of injury to legs and knees is greatly exacerbated. That said, pickleball is great for losing weight.
4. Don't play for more than 90 minutes until you get into good shape.
5. Don't play more than 3 days per week until you get in good shape and get your body used to the activity. Rest is very important to the healing/recuperating process.
6. Consider wearing a bicycle helmet (as I did) for the first few of months when learning the game. Newer players are at greatest risk of tripping/stumbling and falling. The more experienced you become at the game, the more sure-footed you become and the less your risk of falling. You don't want to hit your head on the hard court surface. A game isn't worth a head injury.
7. If knee ligament injuries are a concern (and they should be for many players) consider wearing knee wraps or knee braces while playing. I wear knee wraps that stabilize the patella and support the knee. This is an inexpensive way of reducing or eliminating the risk of knee ligament injuries. Many different styles and sizes available on Amazon. They're easy and quick to put on and remove and can prevent serious ligament damage. They would also help if you fall on your knees on the court.
8. I think that wrist and shoulder injuries can largely be prevented by limiting the amount of play. As I said, 90 minutes of play 3 times per week should be plenty for the first several months. Build up your stamina and condition gradually and you'll help reduce repetitive motion injuries.
One thing that they are saying is that regular high grip shoes are a definite no-no!
The medical facilities getting so much business from pickleball injuries must be happy.
When there was a five car pile=up on an expressway in my area I heard my chiropractor say he hopes the accident will give him more patients, no kidding!.
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