SPORTS
Spring is upon us! As the sun starts to shine brighter and the days are getting longer, we are itching to get back outside to enjoy the weather. In the recent years, the sport of pickleball has become increasingly popular among all ages.
The best way to describe pickleball is a mix of tennis and ping pong. The court is smaller than a tennis court with a shorter net. The ball is similar to a wiffleball and the paddles are most like a ping pong paddle, just a tad larger. “Dinking” is the art of hitting the pickleball softly into the restricted area of the court called “the kitchen”. While you can hit the ball into “the kitchen”, you cannot step foot into it. So, it provides a fun added challenge to the game. It is a great cardiovascular exercise as well as a fantastic way to spend the afternoon with friends. Many of our patients are pickleball fanatics and we often see injuries relating to the game such as tendonitis, ankle sprains, and shoulder pain. So, the question is, what can we do to prevent these injuries?
1. Stretch: A proper warm up and stretch is a great way to prevent injuries in any sport. To get your blood pumping, briskly walk or take a light jog around the court a few times. Once your body starts to warm up, then step off to the side to perform some quadriceps, hamstring, gastrocnemius, and rotator cuff stretches. Make sure to hold on to a nearby fence or chair if you need extra support for balance.
2. Stay Hydrated: Make sure to pack enough water to not only hydrate you after your games, but also from the heat. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, heat strokes, and even kidney damage. The average person should try and reach 8 glasses of water per day, but remember if you are exercising more, than you may need more than 8 glasses of water.
3. Proper Footwear: Now this may seem silly, but you should not be playing any sport in footwear such as flip flops, sandals, or slippers. Supportive sneakers are your best option for an outdoor activity. There are specially designed shoes for pickleball, but they are not necessary to enjoy the game at a recreational level. Any supportive sneaker that provides ankle and arch support will work.
If you decide to pick up the sport of pickleball this year, remember these tips. As with any sport, there is a risk of injury. If you find yourself experiencing any sort of pain during or after an activity, do not hesitate to see us in the office. Now, it is time to get out, enjoy the sunshine, and HAPPY DINKING!
