How to prevent pesky pickleball injuries

Stretching helps to prevent injury and can aid in recovery. So it’s important not to skip this step.

“It only takes a few moments, and the benefits can be lasting,” says Zartman. “Even simple stretches like lunges, side steps and arm circles can help your body be primed for pickleball.”

Guided stretching and warmup routines can be found online and can be modified to fit your needs. Next time you’re on the court, encourage your fellow pickleball players to participate in a light warmup to ensure you’re all ready to hit the ground running when the game begins.

Shoes can be a stylish addition to your outfit but when it comes to physical activity, the importance of choosing the right footwear is key.

“Wearing supportive, well-fitted shoes helps not only reduce your risk of injury — such as sprained ankles, stress fractures or shin splints — but also keeps your feet healthy and able to engage in the activity you love,” Zartman says.

When shopping for shoes, opt to be fitted by an expert at your local store. This can ensure the shoes not only fit but also provide you with the support and comfort you need.

It may be tempting to skip the SPF on cool, cloudy days but it’s important to wear sunscreen even when the sun’s rays don’t seem to be strong. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, apply an ounce (about two tablespoons) of sunscreen to the exposed areas of the face and body. If you opt to use a spray sunscreen, apply until an even sheen appears on the skin.

“Keep in mind that sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours, or more frequently if sweating.” Zartman says. “Use SPF 30 or higher with ‘broad spectrum’ on the label. This will help protect you from both UVA and UVB rays.”

It may be easy to forget this one, but drinking enough water throughout the entirety of your play is key to giving your body the fuel it needs.

“As you sweat, your body works hard to remove heat,” says Zartman. “With that, you’ll also lose body fluid. Drinking water is key to replacing the fluids you lose when you sweat and avoiding some serious complications from dehydration.”

It’s important to remember that hydration before, during and after physical activity is needed. According to the American Council on Exercise, you should aim to drink 17 to 20 ounces of fluid 2 to 3 hours before your workout, and another 8 ounces 20 to 30 minutes before exercising. During exercise, drink 7 to 10 ounces every 10 to 20 minutes. After your workout is done, drink about 8 ounces within 30 minutes following the exercise.

As with any physical activity, your body needs time and rest and recover. It may surprise you to learn that exercise, while extremely beneficial for the body and mind, can also have downsides if done in excess.

“Exercise is essentially causing stress on your muscles,” Zartman says. “A day of rest allows your body to repair tissues that were damaged from exercise. Aim for a rest day every 7 to 10 days or as you need it.”

A rest day doesn’t necessarily mean you must remain sedentary. If you enjoy light activity, such as walking or yoga, engage in those activities in between days of more strenuous exercise, such as when you play pickleball.