Is Pickleball A Dangerous Sport? (Beginners Guide)

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in America. But with its recent popularity, has also come to some questions about its safety. This beginner’s guide will help answer some of those questions and give you the information you need to know before playing pickleball. Stick around for a few tips on how to stay safe while playing this fun sport!

Contents

Is Pickleball a Dangerous Sport?
Are There a Lot of Pickleball Injuries?
What Are the Most Common Pickleball Injuries?
What Are the Safety Gear Do I Need for Pickleball?
How Can I Avoid Getting Injured While Playing Pickleball?
Are there more injuries in tennis or pickleball?
Last Thoughts

Is Pickleball a Dangerous Sport?

While any sport carries some risk of injury, pickleball is generally considered a safe activity. The most common injuries in pickleball are relatively minor, such as an ankle sprain or Achilles tendonitis.

However, more serious injuries can occur, such as a hamstring or quadriceps muscle strain, shoulder impingement, or wrist fracture. In most cases, these injuries can be avoided by using proper safety gear and following the rules of the game.

Are There a Lot of Pickleball Injuries?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as there is no centralized database of pickleball injuries. However, a quick search of Google Scholar turns up only a handful of studies on the topic. This suggests that pickleball-related injuries are relatively rare.

One study looked at the incidence of injury in recreational pickleball players over 12 weeks. The study found that the overall injury rate was 2.3 injuries per 1000 player-hours of exposure. The most common injuries were to the knee (31%), shoulder (23%), and elbow (14%).

Another study looked at pickleball players who were treated at an orthopedic clinic in the United States. The study found that the most common injuries were to the shoulder (21%), elbow (17%), and wrist (15%).

These studies suggest that pickleball-related injuries are relatively uncommon. However, it is important to take proper safety precautions to avoid any potential injuries.

What Are the Most Common Pickleball Injuries?

The most common pickleball injuries are strains and sprains. The most common sites of injury are the knee, shoulder, and elbow. These injuries are usually caused by overuse or improper technique.

Knee Injuries

Knee injuries are the most common type of pickleball injury. They can be caused by overuse, improper technique, or landing awkwardly after a jump. The most common knee injury is patellar tendonitis, which is an inflammation of the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shinbone. Treatment for this condition includes rest, ice, and physical therapy.

Shoulder Injuries

Shoulder injuries are also common among pickleball players. They can be caused by overuse or improper technique. The most common shoulder injury is a rotator cuff tear, which is a tear in the tendons or muscles that surround the shoulder joint. Treatment for this condition includes rest, ice, and physical therapy.

Elbow Injuries

Elbow injuries are less common than knee or shoulder injuries, but they can still occur. They are usually caused by overuse or improper technique. The most common elbow injury is the tennis elbow, which is an inflammation of the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the bone. Treatment for this condition includes rest, ice, and physical therapy.

If you experience any pain or discomfort while playing pickleball, it is important to see a doctor or orthopedic specialist. Pickleball is a relatively safe sport, but injuries can still occur. If you do not receive proper treatment for an injury, it could become worse and lead to long-term problems.

What Are the Safety Gear Do I Need for Pickleball?

There is no mandatory safety gear for pickleball, but there are a few items that can help reduce your risk of injury. These include:

>> Knee pads: Knee pads can help protect your knees from impact if you fall or slide across the court.

>> Elbow pads: Elbow pads can help protect your elbows from impact if you fall or slide across the court.

>> Wrist guards: Wrist guards can help protect your wrists from impact if you fall or slide across the court.

>> Mouthguards: Mouthguards can help protect your teeth and jaw from impact if you are hit by a ball or fall.

>> Eye protection: Eye protection can help protect your eyes from the sun and balls that may bounce into your face.

>> Protective gloves: Protective gloves can help protect your hands from blisters and calluses.

>> Athletic shoes: Athletic shoes can help protect your feet from impact and provide traction on the court.

While none of these items are required, they can help reduce your risk of injury. It is essential to wear proper footwear and protective gear when playing any sport, including pickleball.

How Can I Avoid Getting Injured While Playing Pickleball?

You can do a few things to avoid getting injured while playing pickleball. These include:

Use Proper Technique:

Using proper techniques can help you avoid overuse injuries. Make sure you warm-up and stretch before playing, and use the correct grip and strokes when hitting the ball.

Take Breaks:

Taking breaks will help you avoid overuse injuries. Make sure to take a break every 20 minutes or so to give your body a rest.

Wear Proper Footwear:

Wearing proper footwear will help you avoid injuries. Make sure to wear athletic shoes that provide support and traction. Avoid wearing sandals or flip-flops, as they can increase your risk of slipping and falling.

Use Protective Gear:

Using protective gear can help you avoid injuries. Knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards can help protect you from impact if you fall or slide across the court. Mouthguards can help protect your teeth and jaw from impact if you are hit by a ball or fall. Eye protection can help protect your eyes from the sun and balls that may bounce into your face.

Follow these tips to avoid getting injured while playing pickleball. If you do experience pain or discomfort, make sure to see a doctor or orthopedic specialist. Pickleball is a relatively safe sport, but injuries can still occur. If you do not receive proper treatment for an injury, it could become worse and lead to long-term problems.

Are there more injuries in tennis or pickleball?

Anyone who has played both tennis and pickleball can attest to the fact that pickleball is the less dangerous of the two sports. But what does the data say?

A study looked at injuries in both sports across a variety of age groups and found that, across the board, pickleball resulted in fewer injuries than tennis.

In particular, the study found that shoulder and elbow injuries were much more common in tennis than in pickleball. Wrist and hand injuries were also more common in tennis, likely because players are constantly hitting the ball with their palms open.

The data clearly shows that pickleball is the safer sport, making it a great option for athletes of all ages.

Last Thoughts

Pickleball is a great sport for people of all ages. It is relatively safe and can be played by people of all skill levels. However, like any sport, there is always a risk of injury. By following the tips above and using proper techniques, you can minimize your risk of injury while playing pickleball.

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Is Pickleball a Dangerous Sport? (Beginners Guide)