Pickleball, a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, offers numerous health benefits. Dr. Tran Anh Vu, Head of the Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy Department at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, notes that playing pickleball provides a moderate-intensity aerobic workout, improving cardiovascular health, strengthening muscles, aiding weight loss, and boosting mental well-being. However, the sport's characteristic short movements and rapid changes in direction can overload joints, leading to injuries. Many players, lacking proper physical conditioning and technical knowledge, are at an increased risk of joint injuries.

The prevalence of pickleball-related injuries highlights this concern. Tam Anh General Hospital, for instance, treats approximately 50 cases of pickleball injuries each week. Most of these involve minor procedures like joint injections, fluid aspiration, or joint reduction for dislocations, allowing patients to be discharged on the same day. A smaller number of severe injuries require hospitalization for surgery.

Doctor Vu (right) performs arthroscopic ligament reconstruction for a pickleball-related injury. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Doctor Vu (right) performs arthroscopic ligament reconstruction for a pickleball-related injury. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

The knees bear the brunt of the impact due to pickleball's demands for short sprints, quick changes in direction, and sudden stops. While these movements strengthen the quadriceps and hamstring muscles, stabilizing the knee and improving its range of motion and flexibility, the repetitive jumping and squatting can lead to patellar tendinitis or knee pain from degeneration, particularly in middle-aged players. Players also face a risk of ligament injuries from abrupt directional changes. To prevent these injuries, Doctor Vu advises players to incorporate exercises that strengthen the muscles around the knee and to use shoes with good grip, avoiding overly slippery or hard courts.

Ankles also experience significant stress during lateral movements and pivots. When played with correct posture over time, pickleball strengthens ankle muscles and enhances balance. However, improper landing or quick directional changes can result in sprains. Continuous acceleration to retrieve the ball can damage the Achilles tendon, causing substantial pain. Thoroughly warming up the ankles before playing and practicing single-leg balance exercises can help prevent ankle injuries in pickleball.

The hips are heavily involved in rotational movements and generating power for strokes. This activity strengthens the gluteal and hip muscles, supports the lumbar spine, and improves hip flexibility and range of rotation. Nevertheless, pickleball players risk gluteal or hamstring strains during lunges and reaches, as well as hip pain in those with pre-existing joint degeneration. Doctor Vu suggests preventing these injuries through hip stretching exercises and gluteal muscle strengthening routines before playing.

Shoulders are almost continuously active during pickleball, providing extensive training for the deltoid and rotator cuff muscles, thereby increasing strength and flexibility. However, repeated racket swings can lead to rotator cuff tendinitis and biceps tendinitis. Incorrect overhead swinging technique can cause shoulder impingement syndrome, where friction occurs between the rotator cuff tendons and the upper arm bone, resulting in pain and restricted movement. To prevent this, players should strengthen their rotator cuff muscles and avoid consistently hitting balls too high.

Wrists perform rapid rotational, flexion, and extension movements to generate power and direct the ball, enhancing wrist flexibility and muscle strength. Players may experience injuries such as wrist flexor or extensor tendinitis, or wrist pain from using a racket that is too heavy or gripping it too tightly. According to Doctor Vu, these injuries can be prevented by keeping the wrist relaxed and choosing a lightweight racket of appropriate size.

A doctor administers a platelet-rich plasma injection into the knee of Ms. Lanh, 55 years old, due to an injury sustained while playing pickleball. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

A doctor administers a platelet-rich plasma injection into the knee of Ms. Lanh, 55 years old, due to an injury sustained while playing pickleball. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

To prevent injuries, Doctor Vu recommends that players learn basic techniques from a coach rather than relying on instinct. Before playing, a thorough warm-up is essential, especially for the knees, ankles, and shoulders. Players should also incorporate exercises to strengthen leg, hip, and shoulder muscles. It is crucial to avoid overexertion, particularly for individuals over 40 years old or those with pre-existing musculoskeletal conditions, and to rest when feeling fatigued. Seeking medical attention promptly upon experiencing any unusual symptoms ensures timely and effective treatment.

Phi Hong