People love pickleball because it’s easy to learn, provides a chance to get together with others and helps maintain good health. But as with any sport, playing pickleball can lead to injuries. Here, Dr. Anthony McKeen, who specializes in primary care/sports medicine at Aultman Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, shares tips for avoiding injury. Dr. McKeen also serves as a team physician at the University of Mt. Union.

Pickleball has surged in popularity in recent years because it is a competitive sport that has a social aspect and can also be played by people of all ages. It is considered lower in physical demand than many other sports and can therefore be played leisurely. Having said that, pickleball is still a competitive sport that requires quick lateral movements and can lend itself to many acute and overuse injuries.

Ankle sprain. This may be the most common athletic injury in all sports, and pickleball is no different. Pickleball is played on a smaller court, which requires constant lateral movements that can lead to ankle injury. Wearing appropriate sport-specific shoes and in some cases ankle braces for those who've had repetitive injuries can help athletes avoid ankle injury.

Knee pain. Pickleball is a sport played mainly with bent knees as players are required to sometimes get low or high to reach an incoming shot. This position can lend itself to knee pain from a variety of causes including exacerbation of knee arthritis and patellar tendonitis or "jumper's knee." Knee pain can best be avoided by practicing appropriate stretching before competition and using knee braces for stability for those who've had previous knee injuries.

Shoulder strain. While pickleball does not involve nearly as many overhead shots as tennis, players will still be put in positions where they need to return shots above their heads and far away from their bodies. This can lead to rotator cuff injury and exacerbation of shoulder arthritis. Simple rotator cuff strengthening exercises and band work are some of the easiest things athletes can do to avoid shoulder injury.

Back pain. While pickleball is generally a lower impact sport, it can still predispose athletes to having low back pain. Whether it is a lumbar strain or exacerbation of arthritis in the low back, these injuries can be disabling for an athlete. The best way to avoid low back pain is to practice appropriate technique and work on simple exercises to strengthen the muscles that support the lumbar spine.

Achilles and calf strain. Achilles and calf strains are common pickleball injuries due to the quick lateral movements in the sport and the constant need to be on your toes. These areas can be particularly susceptible to injury in aging athletes. Proactively treating any inflammation or pain in these areas with physical therapy modalities can help prevent further injury.

While pickleball can cause injury just like any sport, it does carry less risk than other common sports. It is also a great way to stay active and be social. Working on balance, using ice for aching joints after competition, stretching and basic strength training are some of the best ways to avoid injury.

Aultman Orthopedics and Sports Medicine has locations in Alliance, Carrollton, Massillon and North Canton. Dr. McKeen is accepting new patients in the Alliance and North Canton offices. Call 330-596-6500 to learn more.