Pickleball, anyone? Avoid getting injured while enjoying summer sports

Pickleball is among the fastest-growing American sports activities and is just persevering with to rise in  recognition as summer season approaches. However as with many actions, accidents are more likely to occur with out correct approach and preparation.

Arati Dunbar, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at Dignity Well being Medical Group — Sequoia, shares the right way to forestall getting damage whereas partaking in enjoyable sports activities this summer season.

“Over the previous couple of years, I’ve definitely seen extra accidents attributed to pickleball,” says Dr. Dunbar. “It is among the quickest rising sports activities in America and is particularly fashionable with center aged athletes.”

Play arduous, keep secure

It is very important perceive the danger of accidents when enjoying pickleball and different racquet sports activities. Slipping, diving, falling and tripping are all frequent methods to get damage. Dr. Dunbar notes that the commonest pickleball accidents are:

Calf and Achilles strains 
Rotator cuff tendonitis
Tennis elbow
Knee accidents

Different, however much less doubtless, accidents can embrace issues like wrist fractures, and strains of the shoulder, hamstring, glutes or quads. 

Forestall accidents

Luckily, sports activities accidents — even from pickleball, are extremely preventable. Dr. Dunbar recommends all the time warming up earlier than doing any strenuous exercises or sports activities. “Dynamic warm-up workout routines are nice previous to exercise,” she says. “Stretching after warm-ups will also be useful, however don’t stretch a chilly muscle.” Dr. Dunbar additionally stresses the significance of prioritizing stretching in folks over 60 years outdated, as a result of they’re extra more likely to be injured. One other method to forestall accidents is to start out sluggish and work your approach up in pace and talent stage. 

Staying hydrated and getting a considerable quantity of vitamins comparable to carbohydrates to offer you power, and protein to assist with muscle progress, will help put together your physique for strenuous actions. Having the right footwear, gear and clothes can additional forestall accidents and supply assist.

When to hunt assist 

If you happen to maintain an damage from pickleball, it is best to initially deal with it with the R.I.C.E protocol: Relaxation, Ice, Compression, and an Analysis by a medical supplier. If there’s a traumatic damage with a priority of a fracture, Dr. Dunbar urges folks to go to an pressing care or hospital Emergency Room and take into account calling 911 if there’s any deformity to the injured space or incapability to bear weight.

Key takeaways 

Whereas having enjoyable and having fun with the nice and cozy climate this summer season, just a little preparation and care can go a good distance. Warming up, stretching, hydrating and nourishing your physique earlier than an exercise will help maintain accidents at bay. If you happen to get damage whereas enjoying a sport or being lively this summer season, strive at-home care with R.I.C.E. or take into account calling 911 if it appears extra critical.

If you happen to suppose you might have a critical or continual sports activities damage, our “Discover a Physician” instrument will help you discover a Dignity Well being doctor close to you.