Don't get in a real pickle

Sports Safety Tips to Keep you in the Game 

St. Vincent Regional Hospital

Pickleball, the highly addictive sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, is friendlier on the body than most other sports. However, like any other sport, there is a risk of injury that comes along with playing the game.

It’s estimated that pickleball-related injuries cost Americans nearly $400 million in healthcare last year. To avoid injuries on the pickleball court, here are a few helpful tips:

1. Stretch and warm up your body | Prior to pickleball play, spend 10 minutes getting your body ready. Spend five minutes warming up (try a brisk walk) and then five minutes stretching.

2. Be aware of your playing area | Not all pickleball courts are created equal. Always make sure the court is free of debris to avoid injuries. Be aware of obstacles and avoid back pedaling during play.

3. Never play on a wet court | Wet pickleball courts are slick and can lead to dangerous falls. To test a court surface, press your toe down firmly and make a twisting motion. If you see water rise or move, the court is unsafe for play.

4. Wear proper court shoes | Invest in footwear that is designed for court sports and will support your feet. Sneakers and running shoes do not provide the right kind of support for the side-to-side motions in pickleball.

5. Know your limits | Don’t try to make plays that are beyond your abilities. Age, experience, physical condition, and athletic ability will impact the level of your game.

6. Stay hydrated | A balance of food, water, and electrolytes and appropriate snacks are needed to prevent dehydration. Dehydration symptoms include dizziness, weakness, fatigue, an irregular heartbeat, and fainting.

7. Learn from a pro | Yes, there are professional pickleball coaches. A pickleball coach can help you maintain good form, fundamentals, and habits, which will help you avoid injuries on the pickleball court.

“The most important piece of advice is to pay attention to what your body is telling you. Take time away from the court if you need to rest or recover,” shares Jordan Soloai, physical therapist with Intermountain Health in Billings. “By not listening to your body, you could get an injury that will keep you sidelined you for an even longer period.”

More from the Experts at St. Vincent Regional Hospital

About St. Vincent Regional Hospital

Founded on our mission of compassionate care 125 years ago, St. Vincent Regional Hospital, part of Intermountain Health, has grown into one of Montana’s largest comprehensive hospitals, serving the healthcare needs of over 400,000 people in our four-state area. Continuing to respond to the needs of our community, we have been recognized as an innovator in trauma, heart, neurological and cancer care. At St. Vincent and Intermountain Health, our 12 primary care clinics, and specialty clinics in and around the Billings area, our goal is to help you live the healthiest lives possible. This also includes caring for the region's youngest patients. We opened the region's first Pediatric Intensive Care Unit staffed 24/7 by Pediatric Intensivists and the only Pediatric Surgery program serving eastern Montana, northern Wyoming, and the western Dakotas.