Why Does My Wrist Hurt When I Play Pickleball

Why Does My Wrist Hurt When I Play Pickleball

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Playing pickleball is an excellent way to stay active and have fun, but sometimes, players experience wrist pain that can make the game less enjoyable. In this article, we will explore the various reasons why players may experience wrist pain when playing pickleball, the different types of injuries that can occur, and what you can do to prevent and manage the pain.

Why Does My Wrist Hurt When I Play Pickleball?

Several factors can contribute to wrist pain when playing pickleball. The most common causes are:

Repetitive Strain

Pickleball requires repetitive movements that can strain the wrist and forearm muscles. The constant swinging and hitting can cause micro-tears in the muscles, leading to pain and discomfort. Over time, this strain can lead to more severe injuries like tendinitis or muscle tears [SimplyPT].

Improper Technique

Another common cause of wrist pain is improper technique. If you are not hitting the ball correctly or gripping the paddle too tightly, you can put unnecessary stress on your wrist and forearm muscles. This stress can lead to pain and discomfort, especially if you play for extended periods.

Falls and Accidents

Falling is a common occurrence in pickleball, especially when players are moving quickly around the court. When you fall, your natural instinct is to put your hand out to break your fall. Unfortunately, this can result in wrist fractures or sprains, which can cause significant pain and limit your ability to play [The Pickleball Doctor][Dr. David Geier].

Overuse

Playing pickleball frequently can lead to overuse injuries. When you use the same muscles and tendons repeatedly, they can become inflamed and painful. This type of injury is common in sports like tennis and golf, and it can affect players of all skill levels. Overuse injuries require rest and proper treatment to heal fully [Brett Gilbert MD].

What Are the Common Injuries in Pickleball?

Wrist Sprains and Strains

Wrist sprains and strains are the most common injuries in pickleball. They occur when you twist your wrist or overextend it, causing damage to the ligaments and tendons in the wrist. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and limited range of motion. Wrist sprains and strains can be treated with rest, ice, and compression [SimplyPT].

Tendinitis

Tendinitis is an overuse injury that occurs when the tendons in your wrist become inflamed. It is common in sports like tennis and pickleball, where players use the same tendons repeatedly. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and tenderness around the wrist joint. Tendinitis can be treated with rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medication. [SimplyPT]

Wrist Fractures

Wrist fractures can occur in pickleball when players fall and try to break their fall with their outstretched hand. The injury is usually a distal radius fracture, which is a break at the end of the radius bone at the wrist. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and limited range of motion. Wrist fractures require medical attention, and treatment may involve immobilization, physical therapy, or surgery [Dr. David Geier].

Rotator Cuff Injuries

Although pickleball involves movements below the shoulders, players can still develop rotator cuff injuries. The repetitive use of force can cause inflammation or tendinitis in the rotator cuff, leading to pain and discomfort. Symptoms include pain, weakness, and limited range of motion in the shoulder. Rotator cuff injuries can be treated with rest, ice, and physical therapy [SimplyPT].

Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is a type of tendinitis that affects the tendons on the outside of the elbow. It is common in sports like tennis and pickleball, where players use their forearm muscles repeatedly. Symptoms include pain, tenderness, and weakness in the forearm. Tennis elbow can be treated with rest, ice, and physical therapy [Brett Gilbert MD].

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury that affects the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. It is common in sports that involve running and jumping, including pickleball. Symptoms include heel pain, especially in the morning or after prolonged periods of sitting. Plantar fasciitis can be treated with rest, ice, and stretching exercises [Brett Gilbert MD].

How Can You Prevent Wrist Pain in Pickleball?

Warm-up and Stretching

Before playing pickleball, it’s essential to warm up your muscles and stretch your wrists, forearms, and shoulders. This can help prevent muscle strains and injuries, and it can also improve your game. Warm-up exercises could include jogging, jumping jacks, or cycling, while stretching exercises could include wrist flexion and extension, forearm stretches, and shoulder rotations [SimplyPT].

Wear Protective Gear

Wearing protective gear can help prevent injuries in pickleball. This could include wrist braces, elbow sleeves, or padded shorts. Protective gear can provide additional support to your joints and muscles and can reduce the risk of falls and impact injuries [The Pickleball Doctor].

Use Proper Technique

Using proper technique is crucial to preventing wrist pain in pickleball. This means using a relaxed grip on the paddle, hitting the ball with your wrist in a neutral position, and using your entire body to generate power rather than relying solely on your wrist and arm muscles [Brett Gilbert MD].

Take Breaks and Rest

Taking breaks and resting between games can help prevent overuse injuries. It’s essential to listen to your body and take breaks when you feel fatigued or experience pain or discomfort. Overuse injuries can take time to heal, so it’s important to give your body adequate time to rest and recover [Brett Gilbert MD].

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is essential to preventing injuries in pickleball. Dehydration can cause muscle cramps, fatigue, and decreased performance, which can increase the risk of falls and other injuries. Be sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after playing pickleball to keep your body hydrated and energized [The Pickleball Doctor].

Conclusion

Wrist pain can be a frustrating and painful experience for pickleball players. However, by understanding the common causes of wrist pain and taking steps to prevent injuries, players can continue to enjoy this fun and engaging sport. Remember to warm up and stretch before playing, use proper technique, wear protective gear, take breaks and rest, and stay hydrated. With these tips, you can stay healthy, prevent injuries, and enjoy pickleball to its fullest potential.

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