Pickleball, Podiatry, and Plantar Fasciitis
Played with small rackets on a manageable court, Pickleball has surged in popularity recently, becoming the go-to game for people of all ages. Pickleball offers a low-impact alternative to high-intensity activities like tennis or basketball. However, it comes with risks, including sprains and fractures. Low impact is still impact!
Common pickleball injuries harm feet and ankles, and in the event of a mishap, podiatry services will be crucial to both recovery and continued dominance of the court. With Desert Podiatry Medical Specialists ready to assist, you’ll be back on the court and on your way to victory in no time!
We’ll examine a few typical Pickleball problems below:
- Ankle Sprains: A sudden twist or awkward landing causes ligaments to stretch or tear, resulting in pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
- Stress Fractures: Stress fractures often affect the metatarsal bones in the feet. They can be subtle, but they can also lead to significant discomfort.
- Achilles Tendonitis: Overuse of the Achilles tendon leads to inflammation and pain. It’s a common injury among pickleball players.
- Plantar Fasciitis: This condition involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, the tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes. Pickleball players frequently experience heel pain.
Older players have lower bone density and conditioning in general, meaning they’re prone to injury. Fortunately, the team at Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists offers plenty of services to get you back on your feet!
- We provide imaging tests like X-rays, ultrasound, and MRIs to determine the extent of the problem.
- Oral or injectable anti-inflammatory medications are available. We might suggest taping or strapping the foot as well.
- If non-invasive methods do not work, surgery may be discussed. Post-operative care might include crutches, splints, casts, or surgical shoes.
If you experience discomfort or suspect an injury while playing Pickleball, don’t hesitate to contact us! The foot experts at Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists in the Tucson, Oro Valley, and Green Valley areas of Pima County, Arizona, have unparalleled experience treating all aspects of foot and ankle care. Bradley A. Whitaker, D.P.M., FACFAS, Peter C. Merrill, D.P.M., AACFAS, and Zeno Pfau, D.P.M., are dedicated to serving you with state-of-the-art medical technologies and a personalized, compassionate approach. Call us at (520) 575-0800 and schedule your appointment today.
