Pickleball Injury Prevention Tips: Dr. Kareem Shaarawy, a sports medicine expert at Dignity Health Medical Group in Arizona, is warning players about the rising number of injuries in pickleball. As more people take up the sport, injuries to joints and muscles have grown. He shared key steps players can follow to stay safe.
A Fast-Growing Sport with Rising Risks
Pickleball has been played since the 1960s, but in the last ten years, its popularity has exploded. It is often seen as a fun and low-impact activity for all ages. However, the fast pace and competitiveness of the game can lead to injuries—especially for beginners who push too hard too soon.
Dr. Kareem Shaarawy explained that many people believe pickleball is safer because the court is smaller than tennis, but this can be misleading.
“They look at it and say ‘okay, well it’s a smaller area, I have a partner and so it’s a lower risk sport’ but I think it becomes very competitive very fast,”. “…and I think anytime something becomes more competitive, the effort of the player also increases.”(Dr. Kareem Shaarawy)
He said that when people who haven’t played sports in years suddenly start playing often, they face a higher chance of injury.
Common Injuries and Causes
According to a study from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, bone fractures from pickleball have gone up by 200% over the last two decades. Dr. Kareem Shaarawy noted that elbow, wrist, shoulder, and knee injuries are most common.
“We have what’s called common flexor or common lateral epicondylitis, and that’s the biggest thing, overuse injury of the extensor muscles,”.
“Basically, the extensor muscles are responsible for back range of motion of the wrist and so those attach to the bone and so you have tendon injuries.”(Dr. Kareem Shaarawy)
These injuries can make everyday tasks like typing or holding a cup painful.
“…for grip activities, whether it’s typing at the computer, holding your coffee,” .
How to Stay Safe While Playing
Dr. Kareem Shaarawy recommends simple steps to avoid injuries. He encourages players to stretch before playing and to stay hydrated.
“Stretching is very beneficial,”. “Hydration before any participation sport is always a good thing.”(Dr. Kareem Shaarawy)
He added that easing into the game is key. New players should not rush into playing many games each week. Instead, they should build up slowly and do light exercises for shoulder and forearm strength.
“Some range of motion, strengthening of your shoulder, we know there are a lot of shoulder, elbow injuries, which is similar in tennis,”.
“We do also see aggravation of the injuries, such as arthritis, so having good mobility of your shoulders, of your hips is really important.”(Dr. Kareem Shaarawy)
He also advised players with old injuries to talk to a doctor or physical therapist first.
“…so, you don’t exacerbate any small injury,”.
Prevention First, Treatment If Needed
Dr. Kareem Shaarawy said that if players do get hurt, there are treatments such as rest, ice, compression, physical therapy, and medicine. In rare cases, surgery is needed, but the best plan is to avoid injury in the first place.
Taking care of the body, listening to pain signals, and preparing properly are key to enjoying pickleball safely.
News in Brief: Pickleball Injury Prevention Tips
Dr. Kareem Shaarawy of Dignity Health warns that pickleball injuries are rising fast. He shared that stretching, hydration, and slow progression can help prevent injuries to elbows, shoulders, and knees. As the sport grows, players are urged to stay safe by preparing wisely and addressing past injuries before playing.
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