Photo via wikipedia author TheVillagesFL

A local orthopedic practice is taking proactive measures to curb injuries from one of the nation’s fastest-growing sports, hoping their efforts help reduce emergency room and urgent care doctor visits.

Sierra Pacific Orthopedics provides orthopedic care to athletes at Fresno State, Fresno City College, Fresno Pacific University and many Fresno, Clovis and Central Valley residents. Their team includes the son of former Fresno State head football coach Pat Hill, and they seek to help amateurs and professionals alike avoid injuries on the pickleball court.

“We’re excited to see the local community embrace pickleball and all the health and social benefits that come with it,” said Dr. Zachary Hill. “Our team is committed to helping you stay active and safe on the court, from expert care to rehabilitation plans and injury prevention.”

Hill and the team at Sierra Pacific Orthopedics outlined the most common conditions that lead to pickleball-related injuries. Some of the most-common injuries include:

Pickleball elbow: Similar to an injury sustained by many tennis players (tennis elbow), lateral epicondylitis results from overuse of the elbow joint. Doctors recommend pickleball players warm up thoroughly before playing and allow time for regular breaks to allow your arm to recover.

Knee injuries: Sudden-movement injuries often attributed to contact-sports like football, including tears to the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament), MCL (medial collateral ligament) and meniscus, are also increasing among pickleball players. These injuries can be prevented by wearing supportive footwear while on the court.

Wrist injuries: Falls on the court as well as the use of improper technique commonly lead to wrist injuries. Doctors recommend players use supportive braces or wraps and practice appropriate stroke techniques to prevent injuries.

Hip fractures: With the demographic of pickleball players reaching from very young to the elderly, hip fractures are becoming increasingly common on the court. Doctors recommend wearing proper footwear and maintaining a clean court to help prevent these falls.

Achilles tendinitis: Inflammation of the Achilles tendon can be caused by repetitive stress on the joint. Health professionals recommend thoroughly warming up before playing and gradually increasing training intensity.

The doctors at Sierra Pacific Orthopedics recommend visiting pickleballdoctors.com/region/fresno for more injury tips and exercises. They advise seeking immediate treatment for on-court injuries, adding that time is crucial in the treatment of any injury.