Common Pickleball Injuries—and How to Get Back on the Court Pain-Free
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S.—and here in Maine, it’s easy to see why. It’s social, fun, and accessible for all ages. But with its quick pivots, sudden stops, and repetitive movements, pickleball also comes with a unique set of injuries. At Lighthouse Foot and Ankle Center, we’re seeing more and more players walk through our doors with pain that keeps them sidelined.
The good news? With the right prevention strategies and advanced therapies, you don’t have to stay off the court for long.
The Most Common Pickleball Injuries
- Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Pain)
That stabbing pain under your heel when you take your first step in the morning is often plantar fasciitis. Repetitive impact and unsupportive shoes can strain the thick band of tissue under your foot. - Achilles Tendinitis
Sudden bursts of play or overuse can inflame the Achilles tendon, causing pain at the back of the heel or ankle. Left untreated, this can progress to chronic tendinopathy or even rupture. - Ankle Sprains
Quick lateral movements increase the risk of rolling your ankle, leading to sprains or ligament damage. - Stress Fractures
Repeated pounding on hard courts can create tiny cracks in the bones of the foot, especially if players don’t give themselves enough rest between games. - Toenail Trauma
Stopping short or wearing tight shoes can cause bruising, lifting, or even loss of toenails.
How to Prevent Pickleball Injuries
- Choose the right footwear: Invest in court shoes with good lateral stability, not just running shoes.
- Warm up and stretch: Focus on calves, Achilles tendon, and plantar fascia.
- Strengthen your feet and ankles: Heel raises, balance exercises, and resistance training reduce risk of sprains.
- Listen to your body: Don’t push through pain—early treatment prevents bigger problems.
- Rotate play surfaces and rest days: Give your feet time to recover.
- Consider custom orthotics: Custom molded orthotics support your foot’s unique structure, improve biomechanics, and reduce strain on the plantar fascia, Achilles, and ankles. They can also prevent recurrent sprains and stress injuries by stabilizing your foundation.
Advanced Therapies at Lighthouse Foot and Ankle
If pain does strike, conservative measures like rest, ice, and physical therapy are often just the beginning. At Lighthouse Foot and Ankle, we offer cutting-edge regenerative treatments to speed healing and reduce downtime:
🔴 Laser Therapy
Our Class IV medical laser penetrates deep into tissues to:
- Reduce pain and inflammation
- Stimulate cellular repair
- Improve circulation and healing
Laser is especially effective for plantar fasciitis, Achilles injuries, and stubborn inflammatory conditions.
💥 Shockwave Therapy
Radial pulse (shockwave) therapy uses sound waves to “wake up” stalled healing in chronic injuries. It:
- Increases blood flow
- Breaks down scar tissue
- Stimulates collagen production
This is ideal for players with chronic plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinopathy who haven’t improved with rest alone.
👣 Custom Molded Orthotics
Unlike over-the-counter inserts, custom orthotics are tailored to your exact foot structure and activity level. For pickleball players, this means:
- Better shock absorption on hard courts
- Reduced strain on plantar fascia and Achilles tendon
- Improved balance and ankle stability
- Lower risk of recurring injury
Orthotics don’t just treat pain—they help prevent it from coming back.
Get Back in the Game
Pickleball injuries don’t have to end your season. Whether it’s heel pain, an ankle sprain, or a nagging tendon injury, we combine prevention, evidence-based care, and advanced therapies—including laser, shockwave, and custom molded orthotics—to help you recover faster and play stronger.
At Lighthouse Foot and Ankle Center, our goal is simple: get you back on the court pain-free.
