When to Consider Surgery for Persistent Pickleball-Related Injuries
Pickleball is a great workout. It's also easy on your body. Most injuries are minor and heal at home. But sometimes injuries are more serious. Some may even need surgery. Here's how to tell when surgery might be needed.
See Your Provider About These Pickleball Injuries
You may need surgery for any of these injuries.
Broken Bone
Many fractures heal with only a cast or splint. Others require surgery. During the surgery, your provider may use pins, plates or screws to help the break heal.
Signs of a broken bone include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Visible bone
- Deformity
You also may not be able to move or put weight on it.
Torn Tendon or Ligament
Tendons are strong cords. They connect muscles to bones. Ligaments connect one bone to another. Minor tears may heal with rest and other home treatments. More significant may require surgery. ears can cause a popping sound, pain or swelling. You might not be able to use the limb.
Torn Meniscus
A meniscus is a C-shaped pad of cartilage in the knee. It cushions your thigh and shin. A big tear can need surgery.
Symptoms of a torn meniscus might be:
- Locked knee
- Pain
- Swelling
- Knee unusable
Torn Rotator Cuff
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that steady the shoulder joint. Tears may require surgery.
Signs of a torn rotator cuff include:
- Sharp pain
- Cracking or popping sound
- Ongoing weakness
It could also include loss of range of motion and ongoing pain that interferes with sleep and daily activities.
Lateral Epicondylitis
This is sometimes called tennis elbow (or pickleball elbow). It is an overuse injury that develops over time. Surgery is usually a last resort. Pickleball elbow causes ongoing pain and weakness that gets in the way of daily activities.
Talk With Your Healthcare Provider About Pickleball Injuries and Surgery
For a serious injury like a broken bone, go to urgent care or the ER. For smaller injuries that don't get better at home, contact your Baptist Health orthopedic care provider.
They can examine you, order scans if needed and decide on treatment. If you need surgery, they can connect you with a Baptist Health orthopedic surgeon.
If you don't have an orthopedic care provider, you can find one by visiting our provider directory.
