Pickleball Was Fun… Until It Hurt

Why Pickleball Can Be Hard on Your Body

Pickleball has become a favorite way to stay active, have fun, and spend time with friends. But somewhere between the quick turns, sudden reaches, and repetitive swings, an unexpected pain can bring the game to a halt.

Although pickleball may seem less strenuous than some other sports, the movements can place considerable stress on muscles, tendons, and joints—particularly when we play frequently or ask our bodies to move in ways they haven't in a while.

Where Does It Hurt?

Some pickleball injuries happen suddenly. Others develop gradually from repetitive use.

Shoulder pain may appear after repeated serves and overhead shots. The elbow and wrist can become irritated from gripping and swinging the paddle. Quick changes in direction can stress the knee or ankle, while a sudden push forward may injure the calf or Achilles tendon.

Sometimes you know exactly when something happened. Other times, the discomfort doesn't appear until later that day—or the next morning.

When the Pain Doesn't Go Away

A little soreness after activity isn't unusual. But pain that persists, swelling, weakness, or difficulty moving normally may deserve a closer look.

Musculoskeletal ultrasound can examine many of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues commonly involved in sports injuries. It may help identify inflammation, tendon injuries, muscle strains, fluid collections, and certain ligament injuries.

Because the examination is performed in real time, the painful area can also be evaluated during movement. This can be especially helpful when symptoms appear only with a particular motion.

Before He Ever Picks Up the Probe

At Orthopedic Ultrasound Inc., every exam begins by listening.

Did the pain begin with one particular movement? Was there a pull, pop, or sudden sharp pain? Or did the discomfort gradually develop after several games? Which movement causes the pain now?

 A focused physical examination is performed, looking at the painful area and the movements that reproduce the patient's symptoms. That information helps guide the ultrasound examination to the structures most likely involved.

It’s an approach Michael Jablon, an expert in musculoskeletal ultrasound, has refined over years of experience and now teaches to his students as the Jablon Protocol.

Ready to Get Answers?

If pickleball has left you with persistent pain, Orthopedic Ultrasound Inc. can provide a detailed musculoskeletal ultrasound evaluation to help identify what may be contributing to your symptoms.

To schedule an evaluation, call Orthopedic Ultrasound Inc. at 949.229.7377.