Understanding Stress Fractures: Risks for Pickleball Players

Pickleball is great exercise, but it can also be a very demanding sport, depending on the frequency and intensity of play. Some people develop painful injuries from playing pickleball, called stress fractures.

This article explains what stress fractures are, how to treat them and how to avoid them in the first place.

What Is a Stress Fracture?

Stress fractures are tiny cracks in bones caused by repetitive force. They are overuse injuries, meaning they develop gradually as a bone absorbs too much force and isn’t able to repair itself.

In the context of pickleball, stress fractures typically develop in the feet. Symptoms of stress fractures include:

• Pain and tenderness that develop over time.
• Discomfort that occurs or worsens with activity.
• Pain that decreases with rest in mild cases but can remain when resting in severe cases.
• Swelling in the affected area.

What Causes Stress Fractures?

Several factors can increase the risk of stress fractures in pickleball players, including:

• Playing too often without rest days.
• Increasing your activity level too quickly.
• Playing without supportive footwear.
• Weakened bones (like from osteoporosis).
• Biomechanical issues, such as flat feet or high arches.
• Hormonal imbalances.
• Nutritional deficiencies.

Stress Fracture Treatment

Rest is the foundation of stress fracture treatment. If you think you have a stress fracture (or your healthcare provider confirms you have one), it’s crucial to pause any activities (including pickleball) that apply force to the bone.

In some cases, temporarily avoiding exercise can be enough to enable healing. In more severe cases, you might need to use a walking boot or crutches to minimize weight-bearing.

Other treatments include elevating the affected area (above heart level ideally), applying ice and taking pain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce swelling and pain. Getting physical therapy can also be helpful to restore strength and flexibility and improve range of motion as part of the healing process.

In addition, it’s crucial to identify and address any underlying conditions, such as osteoporosis, nutritional problems and biomechanical issues, to reduce the risk of recurrence.

In rare cases, surgery involving the insertion of pins, screws and plates to stabilize the bone may be needed for a severe stress fracture or one that doesn’t heal properly.

Stress Fracture Prevention

Although stress fracture treatments are effective, it’s best to avoid the problem altogether so you don’t have to take time off from pickleball. Here are some helpful tips for avoiding stress fractures:

• Wear supportive shoes.
• Avoid sudden and significant increases in your activity level.
• Listen to your body and reduce or pause your activity as needed to let stressed bones recover.
• Cross-train by incorporating low-impact activities like swimming or cycling into your exercise routine.
• Eat a nutritious diet rich in calcium and vitamin D to support strong bones.
• Achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
• Avoid smoking, as it can weaken bones and slow healing.
• Warm up before your pickleball matches to get your muscles and bones ready for action, and cool down after.

Get Help With Stress Fractures From Baptist Health

If you think you have a stress fracture from pickleball or any activity, contact your healthcare provider. They can diagnose your condition and recommend treatment to address it, minimizing your time on the sidelines.

Don’t have a Baptist Health provider? You can find one in our online directory.

Next Steps and Helpful Resources

Learn More About Orthopedic & Sports Medicine at Baptist Health
Common Pickleball Injuries and Prevention Strategies
Sprain vs. Fracture: How to Know the Difference
Warm-Up and Cool-Down Routines for Pickleball Players