How Braces and Supports Help Prevent Pickleball Injuries

Pickleball is a low-impact, non-contact sport. Still, as with any sport, injuries can occur. Fortunately, you can take several actions to reduce your injury risk, including stretching before and after play, learning good footwork, and maintaining court awareness.

You might also benefit from wearing a brace to support and protect any problematic joints or areas. For example, wearing a brace may reduce the risk of another injury if you're prone to spraining your ankle.

This article explains the role of braces and supports in avoiding injuries on the pickleball court.

Pickleball: A Dynamic, Whole-Body Sport

If there's a word that best describes pickleball action, it might be "dynamic." Play involves quick movements around the court, bending and twisting of the torso, forceful swinging motions, etc. These movements can result in acute injuries (caused by a specific action) and overuse injuries (developing over time).

Some of the most common pickleball injuries include:

• Ankle sprains
• Knee meniscus tears
• "Pickleball elbow"
• Achilles tendonitis
• Wrist sprains and strains
• Rotator cuff injuries
• Lower back pain

The Role of Braces and Supports in Pickleball

Braces and supports come in many forms, from simple, supportive sleeves to complex mechanisms with rigid metal stays, bars and hinges. These devices benefit picklers in several ways.

Increased Stability

Braces and supports help ensure that joints function like they should, reducing the chance of unnatural movements that can cause sprains, strains or tears.

Beneficial Compression

Some braces and supports apply gentle, consistent pressure to a joint or area. That pressure can reduce swelling and improve blood flow.

Enhanced Proprioception

The sensation created by a brace or support sends signals to the brain, helping it focus more attention on a joint's position and on using proper mechanics.

Load Shifting

Some devices are designed to take pressure off a specific joint or area, thereby reducing the risk of injury.

Restricted Range of Motion

Full range of motion is good, but exceeding the normal range can be harmful. Some braces and supports protect joints by restricting their movement.

Selecting the Right Brace or Support

Wearing braces or supports as needed can help reduce your risk of getting injured while playing pickleball. However, it's essential to use the right device. That means one that provides the appropriate level of support, has the right size and fit, etc.

Wearing a wrap or device that doesn't fit or function appropriately can be uncomfortable and may even be harmful to the joint or area. Consequently, it's a good idea to talk with your healthcare provider before buying and using a brace or support.

Hit the Pickleball Court With Confidence

In addition to the physical benefits of wearing braces or supports, many picklers find that doing so as needed provides a psychological benefit. It helps them play without worrying about getting injured or aggravating an existing injury.

If you have questions about whether wearing a brace or support would benefit you, ask your healthcare sports medicine provider. They can make a recommendation based on your health, playing style, performance goals and other factors.

If you don't have a Baptist Health sports medicine provider, you can find one using our provider directory.