In the play "The Tempest," Shakespeare wrote, "How cam'st thou in a pickle?" That's the same question doctors are asking the ever-increasing number of people they see with pickleball elbow (as opposed to tennis elbow) and other overuse and strain injuries. In a new article, "What doctors wish patients knew about preventing pickleball injuries," the American Medical Association sets out the most common risks and how to avoid them. So, if you are one of the estimated 37 million pickleball players in the U.S., listen up:
— If you have heart or lung issues, check with your doc before you hit the courts.
— Avoid overuse and acute injuries. Don't play with pain or binge-play.
Overuse injuries include the above-mentioned pickleball elbow, either on the inside or outside of the joint, ankle strains, and shoulder pain. Acute injuries may involve hamstring pulls and sprained ankles, or hip and knee injuries.