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A combination of badminton, tennis, and ping pong – Pickleball is a paddle sport that is growing rapidly in popularity across all age groups in Mumbai. Why not? It’s easier to learn with a simple learning curve and is suitable for all age groups and skill levels with lower physical impact of play. So, its appeal spans across generations, with children and seniors actively playing in Mumbai.

However, like every sport, Pickleball also comes with the risk of injuries. According to the latest statistics, along with Pickleball’s growing popularity, the incidence of Pickleball injuries in Mumbai is also growing exponentially.

“Though it is a low-impact activity that is suitable for all age groups, not everybody’s body and physical fitness is prepared for playing it at an intensive level – and this often leads to a variety of Pickleball injuries that we often see in Mumbai,” says top sports injury doctor in Mumbai, Dr. Pradeep Moonot.

With the rise in Pickleball injuries in Mumbai, if you are venturing into Pickleball, the first step to avoid these injuries is to be aware of the common Pickleball injuries and the treatment to take in case they occur.

In this blog, with input from Dr. Pradeep Moonot, we provide you with brief information about common Pickleball injuries (so you have a heads-up) and touch upon ways to prevent them in the first place. Read on:

5 Common Types of Pickleball Injuries:

1. Elbow Injuries: Pickleball involves repeated use and bending of the elbow with force over time (and also when not fit), and this repeated overuse of the elbow can cause wear and tear over time. This overuse injury, also known as a Pickleball Elbow, results in pain and tenderness near the elbows, weakness in the wrist and hand, and a limited range of motion in the elbow joint.
2. Rotator Cuff Injuries:These are injuries of tendons and muscles that attach the upper arm bone to the shoulder bones. Repetitive overhead motion, such as slicing or swinging the ball, can strain or tear the tendons or muscles, causing pain, weakness, and a limited range of motion. Because the shoulder joint is one of the weakest and most dynamic joints in the human body, without the required fitness, the rotator cuff becomes more vulnerable to injuries. This is why rotator cuff injuries are one of the most common Pickleball injuries, especially among older players who tend to play the sport at high intensity for extended periods.
3. Wrist Injuries: Wrist injuries are another common injury that can happen in Pickleball due to repetitive strikes and swinging of the paddle. In some cases, wrist injuries in Pickleball can also occur when a player's teammates’ paddles or braces hit them from a fall.
4. Achilles Tendinopathy: The upper body is not the only one that cops overuse injuries in Pickleball. Swift movements in Pickleball, such as quick side steps, jumps, and pivots, also put a lot of repetitive strain on the Achilles tendon, which, over time, can lead to small tears in the tendon, resulting in swelling, pain and stiffness. Achilles tendonitis occurs when the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, becomes inflamed and irritated. In rare cases, the tendon may even rupture.
5. Ankle Injuries: “Sprains, rolled ankles, or contusions are some of the most common ankle injuries suffered by Pickleball players who often consult us at MKFAC,” says foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Pradeep Moonot.

Because players tend to move quickly back and forth on the court, falls, strains, and sprains occur at a higher rate.

In addition to the above, hip injuries, bone fractures, limb injuries, and muscle injuries are other common types of Pickleball injuries that can happen to anyone, irrespective of age.

Pickleball Injuries – Prevention and Way Ahead:

“Because most players tend to push themselves hard and in the process overwork their muscles, when this is combined with lack of right form or biomechanics or experience – injuries happen,” says sports medicine doctor and foot and ankle specialist in Mumbai, Dr. Pradeep Moonot.

Proper warm-up before the sport, rest in between play days, using appropriate techniques, wearing the correct footwear, staying hydrated, and gradually ramping up the intensity are some common ways to help avoid injuries or reduce your risk when playing Pickleball.

However, the most effective and essential step for players venturing into Pickleball is to consult a physician to understand how well you can stretch your body, recognize your limitations, and develop a plan to prepare your body.

If you are already involved in Pickleball and want to learn more, require consultation, or are seeking Pickleball injury treatment in Mumbai, you can contact our Pickleball injury treatment specialists at MKFAC.