Top Pickleball Injuries in Sheridan and How to Prevent Them

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in America. People of all ages are enjoying this fun and exciting game. In Sheridan, many people play pickleball to stay active, healthy, and social. But just like any sport, playing pickleball can lead to injuries, especially if you’re not careful.

In this blog, we’ll talk about the most common pickleball injuries in Sheridan and give you simple tips to prevent them. If you are already dealing with pain, we’ll also explain how the experts at Pain Management Sheridan AR can help you feel better without surgery.

What Is Pickleball?

Pickleball is a mix of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. It is played with a paddle and a plastic ball with holes, often on a small court. The game is fun and easy to learn, which makes it popular with beginners and seniors. But because the game involves fast movements, twisting, and quick starts and stops, it can put stress on your muscles and joints. This is why injuries can happen.

Common Pickleball Injuries in Sheridan

Let’s look at the most common injuries people experience while playing pickleball.

Ankle Sprains
An ankle sprain happens when the ligaments in your ankle get stretched or torn, usually from twisting your foot the wrong way during fast movements. It’s common in pickleball when players stop suddenly or step awkwardly. You may feel pain, swelling, or see bruising, and walking can become difficult.

Shoulder Strain
A shoulder strain is caused by overuse or sudden force, like when a player swings too hard or reaches awkwardly to hit the ball. This can stretch or tear the shoulder muscles or tendons. People often feel pain when lifting the arm, weakness, or a strange popping feeling in the shoulder.

Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Tennis elbow is a common injury from using your arm muscles too much, especially when holding and swinging the paddle repeatedly. It causes pain on the outside of the elbow, a weaker grip, and soreness even when resting. It happens gradually over time with repeated motion.

Knee Injuries
Knee injuries in pickleball can happen due to fast turns, sudden stops, or jumping. These movements may sprain a ligament, tear the meniscus, or cause pain in the tendons. You might notice swelling, a clicking sound, or pain when bending or moving the knee.

Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain often results from bending, twisting, or poor posture during play. The strain on your back muscles can build up over time or happen suddenly after a bad move. It causes aching, stiffness, or sharp pain, especially when standing, moving, or trying to rotate your torso.

Wrist Strains or Fractures
Wrist injuries usually happen when a player falls and tries to stop the fall with their hands. This can lead to a strain or even a fracture in the wrist. You may feel pain, see swelling, or find it hard to move your wrist after the fall.

How to Prevent Pickleball Injuries
Injuries can stop you from enjoying pickleball, but the good news is that most of them can be avoided. Here are some simple tips to help you stay safe and keep playing.

Warm Up Before Playing
Before you start a game, take a few minutes to warm up. This helps your muscles get ready and reduces the chance of getting hurt. You can stretch your legs, arms, and back, then do a light walk or jog for 5 to 10 minutes. It’s also helpful to swing your paddle gently a few times to loosen your body.

Wear Proper Shoes
Wearing the right shoes is important for your safety. Good court shoes give your feet the grip and support they need and help prevent slips and falls. Look for shoes with cushioned soles and strong grip. Avoid wearing running shoes, as they are not made for quick side-to-side moves on the court.

Learn the Right Technique
Using the correct technique when swinging or moving can protect your joints and muscles. Taking lessons from a coach or watching videos from experts can help you improve. Always try to hit the ball using your whole body, not just your arm, so you don’t strain yourself.

Use Protective Gear
Wearing protective gear can help lower your risk of injury. You can wear wrist braces, knee supports, or elbow sleeves if you feel weak in any area. Eye protection is also useful if you’re playing fast games with hard hits. These small tools can keep you safe during tough matches.

Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water helps your muscles work better and prevents cramps. Bring a water bottle with you and take small breaks to drink, especially if you’re playing in hot weather. Staying hydrated keeps your body strong and helps you play better.

Don’t Play Through Pain
If you feel pain during a game, it’s best to stop right away. Playing through pain can turn a small problem into a serious injury. Rest, ice the painful area, and if the pain doesn’t go away, it’s smart to see a doctor or pain specialist.

Cool Down After Playing
After your game ends, don’t just stop suddenly. Walk slowly for a few minutes to help your body relax. Then stretch your muscles gently so they don’t get stiff. If you feel any soreness, take a break and apply ice to calm it down.

What to Do If You Get Injured

If you get hurt while playing pickleball, it’s important to treat the injury right away. Here’s a simple plan.

R.I.C.E. method:

• Rest: Stop playing and rest the injured area.
• Ice: Apply a cold pack for 15–20 minutes.
• Compression: Wrap the area with a bandage if needed.
• Elevation: Raise the injured part to reduce swelling.

If the pain or swelling doesn’t go away in a few days, you should see a pain specialist.

How Pain Management in Sheridan AR Can Help

If you live in Sheridan and are dealing with pain from a pickleball injury, the team at Pain Management Sheridan AR can help. Their doctors focus on treating sports injuries and chronic pain without surgery. They use modern techniques to help you heal and feel better. Here’s what you can expect.

• A full exam to find the exact cause of your pain
• Personalized treatment plans
• Physical therapy and guided exercises
• Joint and muscle injections (like cortisone) for quick relief
• Non-surgical solutions for long-term care

Conclusion

Pickleball is a fun way to stay fit and make friends. But like any sport, it comes with some risk of injury. By taking simple steps like warming up, wearing the right shoes, and using good technique, you can enjoy the game safely. If you do get hurt, don’t ignore the pain. Early care makes a big difference. The specialists at Pain Management Sheridan AR are here to help you heal, manage your pain, and get back on the court stronger than ever.