How Physical Therapy Can Help Prevent & Treat Pickleball Injuries

Pickleball, which merges elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, has become increasingly popular among athletes young and old. This versatile sport can be played both indoors and outdoors and requires quick movements and sudden sprints that can be strenuous on the feet and ankles.

At The Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Center, we understand that while pickleball is a low-impact sport, it's not without its risks, particularly for the lower extremities. Here, we explore common foot and ankle injuries associated with pickleball and how physical therapy can aid in recovery and prevention.

Common Foot & Ankle Injuries

1. Ankle Sprains: Ankle sprains are prevalent in sports requiring quick changes in direction, like pickleball. When the foot turns inward, it can stretch or tear the ligaments on the outside of the ankle, leading to swelling, pain, and a limited range of motion.
2. Achilles Tendonitis: This overuse injury is characterized by pain along the back of the leg near the heel, often due to repetitive stress to the Achilles tendon. Pickleball players are at risk because of constant starts, stops, and pivots.
3. Plantar Fasciitis: This is inflammation of the band of tissue (plantar fascia) that extends from the heel to the toes. Players often feel a stabbing pain in the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of standing.
4. Stress Fractures: These tiny cracks in the bone surface typically occur with overuse. In pickleball, the repetitive force from jumping and running can lead to stress fractures in the foot and ankle.

Physical Therapy Treatments

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in both the treatment and prevention of foot and ankle injuries in pickleball players. Our specialists at The Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Center suggest:

• Strength Training: Strengthening the muscles in the feet, ankles, and lower legs can enhance stability and prevent injuries.
• Flexibility Exercises: Improving flexibility, particularly in the calf muscles and Achilles tendon, can reduce the risk of strains and sprains.
• Balance Training: Enhancing proprioception and balance can help prevent ankle rolls and twists.
• Manual Therapy: Techniques like massage, mobilization, and stretching can aid in healing and pain relief.
• Customized Exercise Programs: Tailored to individual needs, these programs address specific weaknesses or vulnerabilities.

Our approach at The Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Center includes preventative and rehabilitative strategies. We emphasize strength training to bolster foot and ankle support, flexibility exercises to diminish the risk of muscle and tendon strains, and balance training to prevent falls and missteps. We also offer manual therapy to promote recovery and alleviate discomfort, creating personalized exercise regimens that cater to the specific recovery needs and athletic goals of our patients. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us or book online!