As our beloved sport’s popularity rises, so does the number of injuries—particularly ankle injuries and ankle pain. The fast-paced, stop-and-go nature of pickleball, combined with its reliance on quick lateral movements, makes the ankles especially vulnerable.
In this article, we’ll dive into the most common ankle injuries in pickleball, why they occur, how to prevent them, and why prevention is so crucial.
The Rise in Pickleball Ankle Injuries
As more people pick up their paddles and hit the courts, medical professionals have noticed a corresponding increase in pickleball-related injuries, particularly among older adults. According to recent reports, ankle injuries are among the most common, leading to significant time off the court and sometimes requiring medical intervention such as physical therapy or even surgery.
This rise can be attributed to several factors:
- Increased Participation: With more people playing pickleball, the likelihood of injuries naturally increases.
- Aging Population: Pickleball is particularly popular among older adults, who may be more prone to injuries due to age-related factors like decreased bone density and slower reflexes.
- High-Intensity Movements: The sport requires sudden changes in direction, quick pivots, and rapid stops, all of which place significant strain on the ankles.
Why Ankle Injuries Happen
Pickleball is a game of agility and speed. Players often find themselves moving laterally, lunging for a shot, or stopping abruptly to change direction. These quick, repetitive movements can lead to overstressed ligaments, tendons, and muscles, especially if a player isn’t adequately warmed up or is using improper footwear.
Here are some key reasons why ankle injuries are so prevalent in pickleball:
- Sudden Lateral Movements: Unlike sports that involve straight-line running, pickleball demands frequent side-to-side movements, which can easily lead to rolling an ankle.
- Abrupt Direction Changes: Players must react quickly to their opponents, often stopping or pivoting suddenly, which can strain the ankles.
- Improper Footwear: Wearing shoes that lack proper ankle support or using footwear not designed for court sports can significantly increase the risk of injury.
- Overuse: Regular play without sufficient rest can lead to overuse injuries, weakening the muscles and tendons over time.
The Most Common Ankle Injuries in Pickleball
Understanding the most common types of ankle injuries can help you recognize and prevent them before they sideline you.
1. Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains are by far the most common injury in pickleball. They occur when the ligaments that support the ankle are stretched or torn, usually due to a sudden twist or roll of the ankle.
- Symptoms: Pain, swelling, bruising, and limited range of motion.
- Treatment: Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), followed by gradual rehabilitation exercises.
2. Achilles Tendon Rupture
An Achilles tendon rupture is a severe injury that can happen during explosive movements, such as pushing off for a sprint or jumping to hit a high shot. The Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, can tear partially or completely.
- Symptoms: A sudden, sharp pain in the back of the ankle, often described as being hit by a sharp object, followed by difficulty walking.
- Treatment: Surgery is often required, followed by an extensive period of rehabilitation.
3. Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis is a chronic condition that results from repetitive stress on the Achilles tendon, leading to inflammation and pain. It’s common among players who don’t allow enough recovery time between games or who don’t properly stretch their calf muscles.
- Symptoms: Pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon, especially in the morning or after physical activity.
- Treatment: Rest, physical therapy, and exercises to strengthen the calf muscles and improve flexibility.
4. Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, the tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. It’s often caused by overuse, improper footwear, or playing on hard surfaces.
- Symptoms: Sharp pain in the heel, especially after long periods of rest.
- Treatment: Rest, stretching exercises, proper footwear, and possibly orthotic devices.
When to Take a Break from Pickleball Due to Ankle Injury
It’s important to know how to recognize when an injury might be more serious than just a minor tweak. Here are some signs that it’s time to take a break:
- Persistent Pain: If the pain doesn’t subside after a short rest or continues to worsen, it could be a sign of a more serious injury that needs attention.
- Swelling and Bruising: Significant swelling, bruising, or deformity around the ankle or foot is a red flag. These symptoms might indicate a sprain, fracture, or ligament damage.
- Limited Range of Motion: If you’re struggling to move your ankle or foot without discomfort or can’t put weight on it, it’s best to stop playing and seek medical advice.
- Popping or Tearing Sensation: If you feel or hear a pop, snap, or tearing sensation during play, this could indicate a serious injury like a ligament tear or Achilles rupture, requiring immediate attention.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to rest and consult a healthcare professional before returning to the court. Ignoring the signs of a serious injury can lead to more severe problems and a longer recovery time.
Recovery Time: How Long Will You Be Sidelined?
The recovery time for an ankle injury varies depending on the severity:
- Mild Sprains: Typically, you can return to play within a few days to two weeks, depending on how well you respond to treatment.
- Moderate to Severe Sprains: These can sideline you for 4-6 weeks, possibly longer if physical therapy is required.
- Achilles Tendon Ruptures: Recovery from surgery can take 6-12 months, with a gradual return to sports activities.
- Chronic Conditions: Issues like Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis can take several months to fully recover, requiring ongoing treatment and careful management.
Player-Approved Tips for Treating Ankle Injuries
We gathered some advice from seasoned players who’ve been through it. Here are their go-to recovery tips to help you heal faster and get back on the court:
- Cold Therapy with Elevation: “I’m all about icing my ankle while elevating it—it’s a game-changer for reducing swelling and easing the pain.”
- Epsom Salt Soaks: “Soaking my foot in warm Epsom salt water after a game really helped loosen up the stiffness.”
- Compression Socks: “Wearing compression socks every day provided the support I needed and really sped up my recovery.”
- Gentle Mobility Exercises: “I began with easy ankle circles and toe flexes—just enough to keep the joint moving without overdoing it.”
- Contrast Baths: “Switching between hot and cold water baths for my ankle really sped up the healing process.”
- Rest and Patience: “The best tip I received was to be patient and actually rest—trying to push through the pain only made things worse.”
- Massage Therapy: “A professional massage targeting my calf and ankle muscles did wonders for easing tightness and boosting my mobility.”
How to Prevent Ankle Injuries in Pickleball
Preventing ankle injuries should be a top priority for any pickleball player. Here are some practical tips to keep your ankles strong and injury-free:
1. Warm-Up Properly
Warming up before playing is crucial. Focus on stretching and strengthening the muscles around the ankle, especially the Achilles tendon and calf muscles.
Dynamic stretches like ankle circles, calf raises, and lunges can help increase blood flow and flexibility, reducing the risk of injury.
2. Invest in Proper Footwear
Your shoes are your first line of defense against ankle injuries. Invest in shoes designed specifically for court sports, as they provide the necessary support and stability for the quick lateral movements required in pickleball.
Look for shoes with a sturdy, non-slip sole and good ankle support.
Make sure to check our guide on the best shoes for ankle support,
3. Strengthen Your Ankles
Incorporate ankle-strengthening exercises into your fitness routine. Exercises like calf raises, resistance band exercises, and balance drills can help improve your ankle stability and strength, making you less prone to injury.
We highly recommend the wobble balance trainer board. It’s not only easy and fun to use, but it’s also fantastic for strengthening your ankles and all those key foot muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints.
Perfect for pickleball players, this balance board is so much fun and great for a variety of exercises. It's also ideal for strengthening specific muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints.
4. Pay Attention to Court Conditions
Always be aware of the playing surface. Slippery or uneven courts increase the risk of injury. If the court is wet, consider playing indoors or waiting until it dries out.
Similarly, be cautious of any cracks or debris on the court that could cause you to trip or twist your ankle.
5. Listen to Your Body
Don’t ignore pain or discomfort. If you feel any pain in your ankles, take a break and assess the situation. Continuing to play through pain can worsen the injury and lead to a longer recovery time.
The Importance of Preventing Ankle Injuries
Preventing ankle injuries is essential not just for staying on the court but also for maintaining your overall health and well-being. Ankle injuries can be incredibly debilitating, often requiring weeks or even months of recovery. This downtime not only takes you away from the game you love but can also lead to a loss of fitness and conditioning, making it harder to return to play at the same level.
Moreover, repeated ankle injuries can lead to chronic instability and an increased likelihood of arthritis later in life. By taking proactive steps to protect your ankles, you’re investing in your long-term health and ensuring that you can enjoy pickleball for years to come.
Stay Safe and Play Smart
Ankle injuries in pickleball are common, but they are largely preventable with the right precautions. By understanding the risks, wearing proper footwear, and taking care of your body, you can minimize your chances of injury and stay in the game.
Remember, a few simple preventative measures can save you from a lot of pain and time on the sidelines. So, play smart, take care of your ankles, and keep enjoying the sport you love!
