Copyright timesnownews
Ever since pickleball's popularity surged across the world, the racquet sport has received widespread acceptance among the masses. It appeals to them because playing pickleball does not require prior training, while the fitness benefits are immense. Many researches and studies have established the fact that playing pickleball regularly keeps the heart healthy and the mind relaxed, among other benefits. However, injuries at pickleball courts are rising at an alarming rate. Dr Raviteja Reddy, an orthopedic surgeon specialising in sports injuries and joint replacement, illustrated how the growing culture of pickleball is also making people more prone to injuries. Even though its popularity continues to rise, and it has earned the tag of the 'fastest-growing sport' in the world, the sport has also increased the number of injuries - in some cases due to a lack of knowledge regarding posture and technique, and sometimes because of the fast-paced nature of the game. As the sport is played on a smaller court, it requires a great deal of movement. This, combined with leaning forward for returns, can often take a toll on one’s lower body, increasing the risk of back strain. “A lot of people are picking up pickleball these days. It's keeping them busy, and it's also keeping me busy because of a lot of injuries, the most common being low back ache because of your constant bending forward, and then you also have a ‘pickleball elbow,’ just like a ‘tennis elbow’ — pickleball elbow is for people who keep doing the backhand slashes. There’s always the ACL tear, and then, because of constant jumping up and down, there’s an ankle injury,” Dr Reddy explained in an Instagram video, stating what injuries these improper stances entail. Dr Reddy, however, said that even though these problems are on the rise, they are quite fixable and also avoidable. Stay connected with all the latest news on Pickleball, exclusive behind-the-scenes content, tips, and inspiration you won't find anywhere else. Your ultimate destination for all things pickleball – where the community comes together for news, views, and the sport that's sweeping the globe. Follow us at @pickleballnow on Instagram and be part of the community!
