Pickleball has quickly grown from a once-niche sport into one of America’s most popular recreational sports for adults. With plentiful courts, straightforward rules, affordable equipment, and crowded rosters of local opponents and teammates, it’s no surprise that USA Pickleball reports over 104,000 members nationwide.
As participation grows, so does the number of injuries occurring on the court. Below are the common pickleball injuries that affect the feet and ankles.
Plantar Fasciitis
The plantar fascia is a strong band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes, connecting the bones in the feet and forming the arch. Plantar fasciitis occurs when this tissue becomes overstretched, resulting in microscopic tears that cause pain and inflammation. In pickleball, the repetitive strain from walking or running can place excess stress on the plantar fascia.
The most common symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:
- A dull, constant ache
- Sharp or stabbing pain when putting pressure on the heel
- Pain when standing up after sleeping or sitting that goes away after walking for a few minutes
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy, in which sound waves are directed at the heel pain to stimulate healing, is specifically for chronic plantar fasciitis that hasn’t responded to more conservative treatments.
Achilles Tendinitis
Whereas plantar fasciitis is under the foot, Achilles tendinitis is pain felt in the Achilles tendon, either where it attaches to the back of the heel bone or higher up in the tendon, at the back of your lower leg.
This condition often develops after a change in activity. If you began exercising more frequently, exercising without warming up first, increasing the intensity of your workouts, or working out on an uneven surface, that may be the reason.
Achilles tendinitis symptoms you might notice include:
- Pain along the heel and tendon, especially when walking or running
- Discomfort and stiffness in the morning that lessens as the day progresses
- Swelling and warmth around the heel or along the tendon
If home remedies don’t work, surgery may be considered. A podiatrist will decide which procedure is best for you.
Ankle Sprain
Sports that involve quick direction changes or twisting motions, like pickleball, have a higher risk of causing ankle sprains. A sprained ankle happens when you roll, twist, or turn your ankle in an awkward way. This can stretch or tear the tough bands of tissue called ligaments that help hold your ankle bones together.
Symptoms of a sprained ankle depend on how serious the injury is and may include:
- Bruising and swelling
- Feeling unstable or like the ankle might give out
- Limited movement in the ankle
- Pain, especially when putting weight on the affected foot
After an ankle sprain, exercises help to regain strength and flexibility. You may also ice the area, take anti-inflammatory medications, and use custom orthotics. If the pain does not improve, additional treatments or surgery may be recommended.
Stress Fracture
A stress fracture is a small crack in one of your bones caused by excessive stress. It may also be called a hairline fracture, referring to the hairline crack that forms. Any repetitive motion or activity that places pressure on your bones can cause a stress fracture, including pickleball.
The most common symptoms of a stress fracture include:
- Pain that develops gradually, increases with activity, and diminishes with rest
- Swelling
- Tenderness to the touch
Treatment for a stress fracture includes rest and sometimes casting. The longer you go without addressing it, the more likely you’ll require surgery to help it heal properly.
Speak With an Expert Podiatrist
The Foot & Ankle Center has seen its fair share of pickleball injuries. Whether you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, an ankle sprain, a stress fracture, or another problem that’s keeping you off the court, our experts will determine the cause of your pain and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you recover safely.
Learn more about the best path for your podiatric health by requesting an appointment online or calling us at (314) 487-9300!