pickleball players

Pickleball Injuries: When to Seek Orthopedic Care

Pickleball has exploded in popularity, offering a fun and fast-paced blend of tennis, badminton and ping pong. It’s easy to learn, highly social and offers a fantastic way to stay active. However, as with any sport that involves quick movements, pivots and explosive actions, pickleball comes with its own set of potential risks, particularly for the lower extremities.

At Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute (KCOI), our sports medicine specialists and orthopedic surgeons are increasingly seeing patients with pickleball-related injuries. While the game is generally considered low-impact, the sudden starts, stops and directional changes can place significant stress on your feet, ankle, knee, leg and hip. This post will delve into common lower extremity pickleball injuries, explain why they occur, and, most importantly, help you understand when it’s time to transition from self-care to professional orthopedic treatment.

The Rise of Pickleball and the Twist of Injuries

The explosion in popularity (and pickleball courts throughout the KC metro) means more people are playing, often without a prior background in racket sports or high-intensity activity. This broad appeal, while wonderful for public health, can also contribute to a higher incidence of injuries. Players might underestimate the demands the game places on their bodies, leading to improper warm-ups, pushing too hard too fast, or not recognizing the early signs of strain.

Common lower extremity injuries in pickleball frequently stem from:

  • Sudden directional changes: Quickly moving side-to-side or forward-and-back puts immense pressure on ankles and knees.
  • Repetitive impacts: Constant running and jumping on hard courts can stress joints and bones.
  • Overextension or awkward landings: Reaching for a shot or landing off-balance can lead to sprains or strains.
  • Lack of proper conditioning: Not adequately preparing your muscles and joints for the sport’s demands.

While this post focuses on lower extremity injuries, it’s worth noting that other common pickleball injuries can include issues with the wrist (from trip/falls or swings/strokes), elbow and shoulder (excessive swings/strokes).

Common Lower Extremity Pickleball Injuries

Let’s break down some of the specific lower extremity injuries our orthopedic experts at KCOI frequently diagnose and treat:

Ankle Sprains

Perhaps the most common injury in pickleball, an ankle sprain, occurs when the ligaments that stabilize your ankle are stretched or torn. This often happens during quick lateral movements, lunging for a ball, or landing awkwardly after a jump. You might feel a “pop” or tearing sensation, followed by immediate pain, swelling, bruising and difficulty bearing weight.

Achilles Tendinopathy or Rupture

The Achilles tendon, located at the back of your ankle, connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. The explosive push-off movements required in pickleball can put significant strain on this tendon. Overuse can lead to Achilles tendinopathy (inflammation or degeneration), characterized by pain and stiffness in the back of the heel, especially in the morning or after activity. A sudden, forceful push-off can also lead to a complete Achilles tendon rupture, which is often described as feeling like you’ve been “kicked” in the back of the leg, followed by severe pain and inability to push off your foot.

Knee Ligament Sprains (ACL, MCL, LCL) and Meniscus Tears 

The knee is particularly vulnerable due to the twisting and pivoting motions in pickleball.

  • ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) injuries: Often occur with sudden stops, changes in direction, or awkward landings, leading to a “pop” sensation, instability, swelling and severe pain.
  • MCL (Medial Collateral Ligament) injuries: Result from forces that push the knee inward, common during side-to-side movements or collisions.
  • LCL (Lateral Collateral Ligament) injuries: Less common, caused by forces pushing the knee outward.
  • Meniscus Tears: The menisci are C-shaped pieces of cartilage that cushion your knee joint. Twisting the knee while bearing weight can tear a meniscus, causing pain, swelling, clicking, catching or a feeling of the knee “giving out.”

Strains and Fractures

Hamstring Strains

The hamstrings, located at the back of your thigh, are crucial for running and stopping movements. Sudden sprints or lunges, especially without adequate warm-up, can lead to a hamstring strain, causing sharp pain in the back of the thigh, bruising and tenderness.

Calf Strains (e.g., “Tennis Leg”)

Similar to hamstring strains, calf strains (often called “tennis leg” in other sports, but equally applicable to pickleball) occur when the calf muscles are suddenly stretched or contracted beyond their capacity. This can happen during a powerful push-off or an abrupt stop, resulting in sharp pain in the back of the lower leg, swelling and difficulty walking.

Plantar Fasciitis

This condition involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue running along the bottom of your foot from your heel to your toes. The repetitive impact of running and jumping on hard pickleball courts, especially with inadequate footwear or foot support, can lead to heel pain that is often worse in the morning or after periods of rest.

Stress Fractures

While less common acutely, repetitive stress on the bones of the foot or lower leg (tibia, fibula) without adequate recovery time can lead to stress fractures. These are tiny cracks in the bone, causing localized pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest.

physical therapy on leg

How to Know When You Need Orthopedic Treatment

It’s natural to have some aches and pains after playing a new sport or pushing yourself during a game. However, certain signs indicate that your injury is more than just a minor tweak and warrants evaluation by a sports medicine physician or orthopedic surgeon at KCOI.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  1. Sudden, Severe Pain: Pain that is excruciating and prevents you from continuing to play or bear weight.
  2. Deformity: If the injured area looks visibly crooked, swollen or out of place.
  3. Inability to Bear Weight: If you cannot put any weight on your foot or leg without excruciating pain.
  4. Audible “Pop” or “Snap”: Often indicative of a ligament tear (like ACL or Achilles) or a fracture.
  5. Loss of Function: If you cannot move the affected joint or limb normally.
  6. Numbness or Tingling: This could indicate nerve involvement and requires prompt evaluation.

Consider scheduling an appointment with an orthopedic specialist if you have:

  1. Persistent Pain: Pain that doesn’t improve with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE method) after a few days.
  2. Swelling and Bruising that Worsens: Or does not subside after 24-48 hours.
  3. Limited Range of Motion: If you can’t fully straighten or bend your joint compared to the uninjured side.
  4. Instability: A feeling that your knee or ankle might “give out” or is unstable during movement.
  5. Recurring Pain: If the pain keeps coming back every time you play pickleball, even after resting.
  6. Chronic Aches: Persistent aches that disrupt sleep or daily activities, even if not acutely severe.

At KCOI, our team of orthopedic surgeons has extensive experience diagnosing and treating a wide range of sports-related injuries, including those sustained on the pickleball court. We utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and develop personalized treatment plans, which may include physical therapy, injections or, in some cases, surgical intervention.

athletic trainers and pickleball athletes

Preventing Pickleball Injuries: Play Smart, Stay Healthy

While injuries can happen, many can be prevented with proper preparation and smart play:

  • Warm-Up Properly: Before stepping onto the court, spend 5-10 minutes with light cardio (jogging in place, jumping jacks) and dynamic stretches (leg swings, knee circles, ankle rotations).
  • Cool-Down and Stretch: After playing, take 5-10 minutes to gently stretch the muscles you used, holding each stretch for 20-30 seconds.
  • Wear Appropriate Footwear: Invest in court shoes that provide good lateral support and cushioning. Running shoes are not designed for the side-to-side movements of pickleball.
  • Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can contribute to muscle cramps and fatigue, increasing injury risk.
  • Listen to Your Body: Don’t play through pain. If something hurts, take a break. Push too hard and a minor ache can become a major injury.
  • Progress Gradually: If you’re new to pickleball or haven’t played much lately, start with shorter sessions and gradually increase your playing time and intensity.
  • Focus on Technique: Learning proper footwork and stroke mechanics can reduce undue stress on your joints. Consider lessons if you’re serious about the game.
  • Strengthen and Condition: Incorporate strength training exercises that target your core, glutes, hamstrings, and calf muscles. Improve your balance and agility through drills.

Pickleball is a fantastic sport that offers countless benefits for physical and mental well-being. By being aware of potential lower extremity injuries and knowing when to seek professional orthopedic care, you can continue to enjoy the game safely and for many years to come.

If you’re experiencing persistent pain, instability, or any of the concerning symptoms discussed above, don’t delay. Our team at KCOI is here to help you get back on the court, pain-free.

Ready to get back in the game? Schedule a consultation with one of our expert orthopedic specialists at Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute today: Request an Appointment.

Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute Celebrates 20 Year Anniversary

3651 College Boulevard ● Leawood, Kansas 66211

www.kcoi.com ● 913-253-8956

 

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Craig A. Brenner

Marketing Manager

Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute

cbrenner@kcoi.com

913-253-8956

 

Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute Celebrates 20 Year Anniversary

 

Leawood, Kansas, January 14, 2020– On January 14, 2020 Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute (KCOI) will celebrate the 20 year anniversary of their first surgery.  In 1998, many of Kansas City’s leading orthopedic surgeons recognized the unmet need in the community for a hospital that was dedicated exclusively to orthopedic care.  A hospital owned by orthopaedic surgeons and managed by orthopaedic surgeons.  The physicians from Dickson-Diveley Orthopaedics, Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Clinic of Kansas City, and Orthopaedic and Sports medicine Consultants came together with Saint Luke’s Health System to create the hospital known as Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute.  The hospital officially opened their doors in January of 2000 and had their first surgery on January 14, 2000.

“I can’t begin to express how proud I am of the growth of Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute has experienced over the past 20 years,” said Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute CEO Charles E. Rhoades M.D.  “The genesis of the formation of Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute was to provide our community with the highest possible level of orthopedic care.  We have been able to adapt to fit the needs of our community from expanded services such as our Ortho Urgent Care to our recently completed expansion and renovation of the hospital.  We look forward to serving our community for the next 20 years and beyond.”

Since opening in 2000 Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute has expanded the services they provide the community.  In November 2016 the Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute opened Ortho Urgent Care.  The Ortho Urgent Care provides access to highly specialized orthopedic care and sports medicine experts seven days a week when many people are in need of orthopedic care.  The Ortho Urgent Care staff provides rapid diagnosis and treatment for orthopedic injuries that do not require a trip to the emergency room.

To meet the community’s growing need for specialized orthopedic care, Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute broke ground on a 22,000 square foot expansion and renovations of the hospital.  The expansion and renovations began in February 2017 and was completed in July 2019.  The project included renovation of the entire hospital space.  The hospital now has 17 new and modern inpatient rooms, 8 surgical suites, a new interventional spine suite, MRI, outpatient physical and occupational therapy and an orthopedic urgent care open 7 days a week.

Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute has fellowship trained orthopedic surgeons in nearly every sub-specialty.  KCOI performs nearly 7,000 procedures annually including total joint replacements and reconstructions of the shoulder, hand, elbow, knee hip, foot, ankle and spine.

Over the last 20 years, Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute has received national recognition for the elite level of care they provide.  KCOI continually ranks among the top hospital in the region for Joint Replacement and patient experience ranked by independent quality reviewers.  From 2014 – 2019 KCOI received the CareChex Awards for Top 10% in the nation for the categories of Medical Excellence, Patient Safety, and Patient Satisfaction in the areas of overall surgical care, overall hospital care, overall medical care joint replacement, major orthopedic surgery.

In 2019, KCOI received the Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Award for Patient Experience in Inpatient Care.  The Guardian of Excellence Award recognizes top-performing health care organizations that have achieved the 95th percentile or above of performance in Patient Experience. Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute is the only hospital in the Kansas City region to receive the 2019 Guardian of Excellence Award.

KCOI’s commitment to safety and quality is highlighted by an amazing low infection rate of 0.08%- 1/50th the national rate of infection for a hospital.

 

About Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute

As the area’s first and only hospital dedicated exclusively to orthopedics, Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute provides comprehensive orthopedic care, from diagnostic imaging to inpatient and outpatient surgery, pain management services, and rehabilitation therapy. Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute is a physician-owned specialty hospital and a joint venture with Saint Luke’s Hospital. Located in Leawood near Overland Park, Kan., the hospital and its Ortho Urgent Care center proudly serve the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area

 

 

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Dr. Kirk McCullough on Anterior Ankle Impingement Correction with the Arthrex Small Hub Small Joint Torpedo™ Shaver Blade

Dr. Kirk McCullough demonstrates the repair of the anterior ankle impingement using the 3.5 mm small hub, small joint Torpedo™ shaver of the Arthrex® Synergy Resection System. You can watch the entire presentation here.

Dr. Theodore Koreckij, Spine Surgeon, Offers New Treatment for Chronic Low Back Pain

A new treatment is available at Dickson-Diveley Orthopaedics from Theodore Koreckij, M.D., orthopedic spine surgeon. The treatment, called the Intracept® Procedure, is an outpatient, minimally invasive procedure for relief of chronic low back pain. Intracept is indicated for patients who have experienced low back pain for more than six months and have not responded to nonsurgical treatments.


The Intracept Procedure uses radiofrequency ablation to relieve chronic low back pain.

The Intracept Procedure blocks transmission of pain signals from the basivertebral nerve, which is located in the bones of the spine (vertebrae). To perform the procedure, Dr. Koreckij advances a specialized probe into the vertebrae through a small incision in the lower back. Once the Intracept probe is positioned at the precise location of the pain-sensing basivertebral nerve, it uses radiofrequency energy (heat) to disable the nerve, rendering it unable to transmit pain signals.

Here is a short video about the Intracept Procedure and how it works.

Results: Decreased Low Back Pain

Dr. Koreckij has been performing the FDA-cleared procedure as part of a second Level I Clinical Study since September 2017. The study, which was designed to corroborate and confirm the results of the first clinical study, closed enrollment earlier this year with superior results. According to Relievant Medsystems, the company that developed the Intracept Procedure, study participants reported a greater than 50 percent decrease in pain at their three-month follow up.

As a result of the study’s successful completion, the Intracept Procedure is now available commercially. Dickson-Diveley Orthopaedics, located inside Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute, is currently one of only two facilities in a six-state region to offer the procedure.

“When it comes to back pain treatments, it’s rare to halt a study ahead of schedule, so the early completion speaks volumes about the positive outcomes we can achieve with the Intracept Procedure,” Dr. Koreckij said. “I am thrilled to offer this option to help improve quality of life for people with chronic low back pain.”

About Dr. Koreckij, Orthopedic Spine Surgeon

A board-certified and fellowship-trained spine surgeon, Dr. Koreckij specializes in a variety of surgical and non-surgical treatment options for adult degenerative disorders of the spine and conditions associated with metastatic disease. His commitment to evidence-based medicine and staying current in the latest treatments for spine diseases led to his involvement in the INTRACEPT study.

To consult with Dr. Koreckij about the Intracept Procedure or other treatment options for back and neck pain, call 913-319-7600. New patients may also request an appointment online.

How Direct Access To Physical Therapy Benefits Your Life

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Physical Therapy Without A Doctor’s Referral
Back pain from yard work over the weekend? Sore ankle from your slow pitch softball game? Knee arthritis acting up again? You’ve had these symptoms before, right? Physical therapy helped take care of the problem and got you back to life. In the past, that meant taking time scheduling an appointment with your physician to receive a physical therapy referral. This process takes time plus an extra co-pay to your doctor. Meanwhile, you are in pain and you already know what the solution is. The need for waiting and an extra trip to the doctor are now in the past. In the state of Kansas, you now have direct access to physical therapy. Here is everything you need to know about direct access and how it can make your life, and your recovery, easier.
What Does Direct Access Mean For Physical Therapy?
In popular culture, the word “access” implies exclusivity – like a backstage pass to a rock concert or high level clearance to government files. When it comes to direct access to physical therapy, however, the opposite is true. Instead of physician referral, or MD approval, in the State of Kansas if you need physical therapy, “Come on in!” That’s right, direct access essentially cuts out the middleman. If you need physical therapy, call our office and schedule an appointment.
What Are The Benefits Of Direct Access PT?
Direct access saves times allowing quicker access for you to begin receiving treatment from one of our highly skilled and specially certified therapists.
How Does Physical Therapy Benefit You And Your Life?
Our physical therapists at Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute (KCOI) are able to provide highly attentive and personalized care. All of our Physical & Occupational Therapy rehab sessions are conducted one-on-one between you and the therapist. We are able to create a personalized treatment plan and home exercises both printed and electronic with videos. This will help you on your path to achieving your goals and returning to activity. If at the end of two weeks of care or sooner at KCOI, your therapist feels that you should see a physician, they can assist in scheduling you with an appropriate orthopedic specialist here at the KCOI. We have board certified and fellowship trained physicians on staff in every area of orthopedics.
Does Insurance Cover Direct Access Physical Therapy?
All processes are handled the same way they would be if you were referred by a physician. We will verify your insurance prior to your initial visit. However, if the insurance verification staff finds any issues regarding your being a Self-Referral, with no doctor prescription, then the staff will contact you to let you know that you would need to either become private pay or would need to obtain a prescription for physical therapy.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 913-253-8980

Ortho Urgent Care Extends Hours of Operations

 

 

Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute Announces Extended Hours for Urgent Care

 

(Leawood, KS) May 7, 2018– Effective today, Monday, May 7 the Ortho Urgent Care at Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute will expand the hours of operations to 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday.  The weekend hours of operations for the Ortho Urgent Care will remain at 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“We are very excited to announce the expanded weekday hours for our Ortho Urgent Care,” said Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute CEO Dr. Charles Rhoades.  “This will allow us more opportunities to provide and fulfill the health care needs of our community.”

The Ortho Urgent Care clinic located at Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute provides access to highly specialist orthopedic care and sports medicine experts.  The urgent care staff at Kansas City Orthopedic Institute can provide rapid diagnosis and treatment as well as onsite services including diagnostic imaging, bracing, splinting, and casting.  The Ortho Urgent Care is available for patients ages 12 and older and to better serve the community no appointment is necessary.  Estimated wait times for Ortho Urgent Care can be found on our website at https://www.kcoi.com/orthopedic-care/urgent-care/

About Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute

As the area’s first and only hospital dedicated exclusively to orthopedics, Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute provides comprehensive orthopedic care, from diagnostic imaging to inpatient and outpatient surgery, pain management services, and rehabilitation therapy. Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute is a physician-owned specialty hospital and a joint venture with Saint Luke’s Hospital. Located in Leawood near Overland Park, Kansas the hospital and its Ortho Urgent Care center proudly serve the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area. Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Hospitals/Health Systems (AAHHS).

 

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What is a Hip Labral Tear and how is it treated

With news of Kansas City Royals Outfielder, Alex Gordon going on the disabled list with a labral tear in his left hip we wanted to take a look at what exactly is a labral tear and what are some of the symptoms and causes for this injury.

What is it?

  • A hip labral tear involves the ring of cartilage (labrum) that follows the outside rim of the socket of your hip joint. In addition to cushioning the hip joint, the labrum acts like a rubber seal or gasket to help hold the ball at the top of your thighbone securely within your hip socket.

What are the symptoms?

Many hip labral tears cause no signs or symptoms. Occasionally, however, you may experience one or more of the following:

  • A locking, clicking or catching sensation in your hip joint
  • Pain in your hip or groin
  • Stiffness or limited range of motion in your hip joint

How can you prevent this injury?

  • Hip labral tears are often associated with sports participation. If your sport puts a lot of strain on your hips, condition the surrounding muscles with strength and flexibility exercises. Try to avoid loading your hip with your full body weight when your legs are in positions at the extreme ends of your hip’s normal range of motion.

How can physical therapy help with this injury?

  • A physical therapist can teach you exercises to maximize hip range of motion and hip strength and stability. Therapists can also analyze the movements you perform that put stress on your hip joint and help you avoid these forces.

Don’t forget that our Ortho Urgent Care Clinic is open evenings and on weekends.  Call 913-319-7633 for additional information on the Ortho Urgent Care Clinic.

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