Have Arthritis? You Can Improve Your Pickleball Game.

Even if you have arthritis, you can play many sports at any stage of life if you take precautions. Pickleball is an activity for all ages, but racket sports require adequate stretching and proper equipment, as well as doctor’s recommendations, to avoid joint injuries.

For the third year in a row, pickleball is the fastest-growing sport, with 8.9 million players in the United States. Combining elements of tennis and ping-pong, pickleball uses large paddles and a perforated ball that resembles a wiffle ball.

Celebrities have certainly boosted the popularity of the sport. Leonardo DiCaprio supposedly won’t begin a day of filming before his morning pickleball game, and tennis star Serena Williams enjoys playing the sport with her sister Venus. While the stars make this racket sport look glamorous, pickleball has caused $350 million in injuries and medical costs.

Pickleball Injuries Are Common in Seniors

Pickleball is becoming the sport of choice for seniors. Community centers offer pickleball leagues, and affinity groups even plan cruises and international travel around pickleball tournaments.

“The high injury rate can be attributed to the fact that most players tend to be over 50,” explained Brian Cole, MD, an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist in Chicago. “And many of them were largely sedentary before picking up their pickleball paddles.”

Some of the most common injuries are rotator cuff injuries or strains and sprains in the ankle or leg. In some cases, pickleball can cause fractures and concussions.

Warm Up before Playing Pickleball

Preventing injury requires a dynamic warmup before stepping onto the pickleball court. Even a 10-minute routine can protect your joints.

1. Begin with a slow jog in place or jumping jacks.
2. Do arm circles and shoulder rotations. Make circles larger before reversing direction.
3. Extend the arms and rotate shoulders backwards and forwards.
4. Do leg swings by standing next to a wall for support and swing one leg back and forth. Repeat with the opposite leg.

Select Proper Equipment Matching Your Needs and Ability Level

Sometimes, trying a new sport can exacerbate underlying conditions, and many rookie pickleball players have underlying arthritis just because of their age.

“People in general think they can’t get injured playing [pickleball],” said Deirdre Rodericks, MD, a Mass General Brigham sports medicine specialist. “But they’re stunned when they reach for a ball and pull a muscle. “

Choosing quality equipment can help prevent pain and lessen potential injury. Indoor pickleball players should choose shoes that are softer and thinner with light outsoles. Outdoor players would benefit from durable shoes with a modified herringbone pattern that combines give and grip.

Not all paddles are the same, so choose them carefully. Lightweight paddles weigh 7.5 ounces or under, and they create less fatigue and strain in your arms.

May is National Arthritis Awareness Month

Before beginning a new sport, it is wise to visit your primary care physician or orthopedist. Jumping and lunging could be harder on your knees, hips and ankles than you anticipate.

May is National Arthritis Awareness Month. Arthritis is the leading cause of long-term disability in the United States. One out of every four people is affected by the condition, which is more than those with diabetes, breast cancer, Alzheimer’s and autism combined.

Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, affects 15 percent of the worldwide population older than 30. Researchers estimate numbers could reach one billion people by 2050. Often referred to as “wear and tear” arthritis, osteoarthritis develops in the hips, knees and hands most frequently.

See an Orthopedist to Assess Your Joint Health

Are you wanting to stay active, but you’re experiencing joint pain when doing everyday activities? It may be time to call an orthopedist for an assessment of your general health. Your doctor will look at your medical history, physical activity, daily activities, past types of surgeries and your pain medications.

If you have tried physical therapy, you may want to consider a total knee or total hip replacement to help you play sports and resume your active lifestyle. Delaying or avoiding procedures can complicate your condition, and surgery may not be an option if you wait too long.

Find an Orthopedic Center in Your Area

An orthopedist can suggest a range of treatments that can improve your joint health. Perhaps beginning with water exercises can help you increase your strength and flexibility without putting additional strain on your joints. Weight loss is also an important component of managing arthritis because obesity is linked to at least 20 percent of osteoarthritis.

We can help you find an orthopedic center near you. Our physicians are committed to helping patients remain active, exercise safely and manage pain. Call today to make an appointment.