Have you joined the pickleball craze?!
Pickleball is one of Australia’s fastest-growing sports, attracting players ranging from school age right through to active retirees. And according to Pickleball Australia, there are now more than 321 clubs, 530 venues and over 3,300 pickleball sessions held across the country every week – highlighting just how quickly the sport is growing!
As participation increases, however so too does the number of players seeking treatment for foot and lower limb injuries.
With a special interest in sports podiatry, the team at Trevor Lane Podiatry regularly help pickleball players stay active, recover from injuries, and prevent future problems.
What is Pickleball?
If you’re thinking, isn’t it just tennis? – you wouldn’t be the first. However, pickleball is a unique paddle sport combining elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis.
For starters, the court is smaller – four pickleball courts could fit in the same area used for a single tennis court! And instead of a tennis ball, it uses a small plastic ball with holes.
Pickleball can be enjoyed as singles or doubles and is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. It can also be played both indoors and outdoors, providing year-round opportunities to stay active.
One of the reasons it has become so popular is its accessibility. Many clubs offer coaching sessions, social games and “come and try” events, making it easy for beginners to get involved. Locally, the Redlands Coast has embraced the sport, with groups such as Redlands Pickleball Club helping to grow participation. Sessions are regularly held at Ormiston, Capalaba and Wellington Point.
Common Injuries in Pickleball
While pickleball is often considered lower impact than tennis, it still involves sudden changes in direction, quick bursts of speed and repetitive movements that can place stress on the feet and legs.
As such, players – particularly older people who’ve never really played sports before – can experience significant body strain.
Some of the common injuries from pickleball we see in our clinic include:
- Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)
- Achilles tendon injuries
- Ankle sprains
- Foot fractures – eg in the ankle, or the fifth metatarsal (the long bone on the outer edge of your foot which connects your ankle to your little toe)
- Shin splints
- Knee pain
Pickleball Injury Prevention Tips
Fortunately, many pickleball injuries may be avoided with the right preparation (1). This is why we like to educate our clients on preventative strategies such as:
- Wearing supportive court-specific shoes
- Warming up before play
- Gradually increasing playing time
- Stretching calves and lower limb muscles regularly
- Maintaining good balance and strength
- Seeing a podiatrist about any recurring foot or leg pain
For players with flat feet, high arches or biomechanical issues, custom orthotics may also help reduce the risk of injury.
Treatment for Sports Injuries
At Trevor Lane Podiatry, we assess the underlying causes of pain rather than simply treating symptoms.
Depending on your individual situation, we provide treatment for sports injuries with techniques such as:
- Strengthening and rehabilitation exercises
- Foot Mobilisation Therapy (FMT)
- Prolotherapy for foot pain
- Return-to-sport guidance
- Footwear advice
- Custom orthotics
- In severe cases, a referral for surgery
Whether you’re new to pickleball or a regular competitor, early treatment may help prevent minor aches from becoming long-term injuries. If foot, ankle or leg pain is affecting your game, book an appointment with Trevor Lane Podiatry today.
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