No Pain, More Game: Pickleball the Smart Way

Pickleball has quickly become one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, and for good reason. It’s social, relatively accessible, and adaptable for all skill levels. However, while pickleball can be a great sport for all demographics, it isn’t always injury-free. Before you hit the courts again this spring, read on for advice from two of our fellowship-trained orthopedic specialists Dr. Brian Tscholl and Dr. James Popp. Learn the most common pickleball injuries, how to prevent them, and when to seek care from a trusted orthopedic physician.

Injury Prevention

Unfortunately, sports injuries aren’t uncommon, and they can be difficult to prevent. However, Dr. Popp reminds patients to avoid running backward, as “it’s an easy way to trip and fall, often leading to patients injuring their upper extremities on impact.” He also emphasizes the importance of proper footwear. Quality sneakers can help with traction, balance, and lateral support.

Additionally, Dr. Popp and Dr. Tscholl stress the importance of stretching and “never showing up to the court cold. Even just a 10 to 15 minute jog, quick body stretch, or other low-impact activity can make all the difference,” says Dr. Tscholl, adding that “ankle stretches can also help prevent leg injuries.”

The Most Common Pickleball Injuries

When it comes to the most common lower-body injury caused by pickleball, foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Tscholl, didn’t hesitate: “Achilles tendon ruptures, by far.” He explains this is largely because “people don’t expect pickleball to involve so many quick, sudden movements, and when players have to lunge, reach, or make abrupt changes in direction, it can be a recipe for strain, especially if their body isn’t used to it.” Injuries can also stem from the common misconception that pickleball isn’t physically intense. This mindset can lead to skipping warm-ups or stretching, increasing the risk of injury.

On the upper body side, hand and upper extremity orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Popp, sees more injuries related to falls. “Wrist fractures, finger fractures, tennis elbow, and broken wrists” are among the most common. Dr. Popp explains that these tend to occur when players lose balance or try to react too quickly.

Recognizing the Signs of Injury

Understanding when something is wrong, and acting swiftly, can make a big difference in recovery. For Achilles injuries, the signs are often immediate and unmistakable. Dr. Tscholl describes the sensation as feeling like you were “kicked in the back of the heel.” If that happens, it’s important to act fast. His advice? “Stay off your foot, use crutches if possible, and come in right away.”

Upper extremity injuries, though, come with different signs. Dr. Popp advises patients to watch for “swelling, pain, and bruises,” especially after a fall. “If something hurts and doesn’t go away in an hour or so, don’t brush it off; seek care.”

Treatment and Recovery

Treatment and recovery vary depending on the injury, but both doctors emphasize the benefits of seeking care early on. Dr. Popp notes that for upper extremity injuries, such as a broken wrist, treatment begins with an X-ray and examination. If the injury requires surgery, our Orthopedic ONE team will explain the procedure clearly, ensuring every patient knows exactly what to expect before, during, and after the operation. “During the one-week follow-up,” Dr. Popp adds, “we’ll check your recovery progress, give you a splint, and introduce you to our physical therapy team.” Physical therapy is typically recommended for six to eight weeks, but can sometimes be beneficial for up to three months. However, patients can usually return to work after just a couple of weeks.

For Achilles ruptures, non-surgical treatment may involve immobilization and gradual return to weight-bearing activity. Surgical options, however, have come a long way. Dr. Tscholl highlights Orthopedic ONE’s use of minimally invasive techniques, explaining that these approaches help reduce complications and improve outcomes. Following this standard outpatient surgery, patients are typically in a cast for two weeks before switching to a boot for the next three to four weeks. After removing the boot, regular physical therapy becomes critical. Dr. Tsholl recommends that patients attend physical therapy twice a week for about four months, though this timeline varies per patient.

While some of these common injuries may require surgery, our team always prioritizes non-invasive treatment options first, helping patients achieve the fastest, most comfortable recovery possible. No matter the treatment path, physical therapy plays a critical role in the healing process. Our physical therapy team works closely with our doctors and staff to ensure seamless communication and truly coordinated care every step of the way.

The Orthopedic ONE Difference

When injuries do happen, having the right care team makes all the difference. Dr. Popp explains, “Orthopedic ONE does everything from the beginning of your treatment process to the end.” That includes diagnosis, imaging, surgery, and physical therapy, all under one roof. This integrated approach and dedication to collaboration mean faster answers and comprehensive care. In many cases, examinations and imaging like MRIs can often be scheduled within just a couple of days.

Dr. Tscholl also highlights Orthopedic ONE’s commitment to innovation, particularly in surgical techniques that reduce complications and speed up recovery: “I’m really proud of the fact that we’ve adopted a new, minimally invasive surgery for Achilles injuries; we can see the difference it makes in patients’ lives and their recovery.”

Playing a Smarter Game

At the end of the day, pickleball is meant to be fun, and with the right approach, it can be a safe, lifelong activity. As Dr. Popp reminds us, “Pickleball is a great sport, with lots of different intensities, and is great for those looking to be either more social or competitive.” The key is knowing your body, preparing properly, and playing smart.

If an injury does arise, though, know that our expert doctors are here to help, providing timely, comprehensive care to get you back on the court, and to everyday life, with confidence.