Learn to play pickleball safely Wednesday mornings
As pickleball’s popularity increases in the U.S. and Leisure World, so is the risk for injury. Studies show that about 69% of pickleball players experience at least one injury annually.
The most common category of injuries are ligament and j oint sprains, and muscle strains. Overuse injuries, including tennis elbow and Achilles tendinitis ,are also common.
Fractures are less frequent, but a particular concern for older women because of age-related bone loss, loss ofestrogen and the sports fast-paced movements. Lunges, when a player reaches out to return the ball, are the most common cause of falls on the court and can result in wrist, hip, or ankle fractures.
“The majority of these injuries can be resolved with rest and modification, but physical therapy can expedite healing and benefit in improving strength and flexibility,” said Nicholas Redden, a senior physical therapist at Cleveland Clinic’s rehabilitation and sports therapy program.
While all racket sports may cause similar impact injuries, the pickleball has an advantage for older players in smaller court and lightweight ball. Below are the ways to stay safe on the court and reduce or prevent injuries:
• Warmup and stretch before and after every play.
• Master the ready position.
• Limit play to three to four times per week.
• Hydrate.
• Wear the right shoes and protective eyewear. Learning to play the sport properly is also important in reducing the probability of injury. Leisure World’s pickleball expert instructors offer learning sessions on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. at the pickleball court, behind Clubhouse 2. Everyone is welcome.
—Donna Gambol
One of the LW pickleball instructors Jim Thomason (I) talks about the importance of proper court footwear for pickleball —running shoes are designed for forward movements, while court shoes are designed for lateral movements.
