Pickleball has skyrocketed in popularity, quickly becoming among the most exciting and engaging sports across the United States and beyond. It's a game for people of all ages, combining elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. As the sport's popularity increases, so does the number of associated injuries. Among the most common and concerning pickleball injuries is the Achilles tendon rupture.
With the increase in popularity, pickleball injuries are becoming more and more common, especially Achilles ruptures. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about Achilles ruptures, why they're common in pickleball, treatment options, and, most importantly, how to prevent them.
What Is the Achilles Tendon?
The Achilles tendon is the thick band of tissue connecting your calf muscles to your heel bone. It is one of the strongest tendons in the body, allowing you to perform activities like walking, running, and jumping by facilitating foot and ankle movement. However, because the Achilles tendon is so crucial to the lower-body movement, it's also vulnerable to injury, especially during activities involving sudden starts, stops, and changes in direction—like pickleball.
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Pickleball is fun and engaging, but it requires rapid foot movements, sudden pivots, and quick bursts of acceleration, which can place significant stress on the Achilles tendon. Players are often required to move laterally across the court or quickly dash forward to reach the ball. These explosive movements can overwhelm the Achilles, especially if you aren't properly conditioned for this activity level or haven't warmed up adequately before playing.
Pickleball is particularly popular among older adults, who may not have the strength and flexibility they once did. Our tendons naturally become less flexible as we age, increasing the risk of injury during high-impact sports. In pickleball, Achilles ruptures are particularly common due to this combination of sudden movements and the demographic of players.
Signs and Symptoms of an Achilles Rupture
An Achilles rupture often occurs suddenly and is typically accompanied by a distinct popping or snapping sound, followed by intense pain in the back of your lower leg.
Some common symptoms of an Achilles rupture include:
Apopping sensation at the back of the ankle or calf.
Severe pain near the heel, making it difficult to walk or bear weight.
Swelling or stiffness around the ankle.
An inability to push off your foot when walking or running.
If you experience any of these symptoms, especially after a sudden movement or pivot, it's essential to seek medical attention immediately. Prompt treatment is crucial for your successful recovery.
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There are two primary approaches to treating an Achilles tendon rupture: non-surgical and surgical treatments. The best option for each patient depends on factors like the severity of the rupture, the patient's age, activity level, and overall health.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Non-surgical treatment is typically recommended for less active individuals or those with a minor Achilles tear. This approach involves immobilizing the foot with a cast or boot, which allows the tendon to heal on its own. Over time, the tendon will reattach, and physical therapy can help restore strength and flexibility. While non-surgical treatment can be effective, the recovery process is longer, and the re-injury risk may be higher than surgical repair.
Surgical Treatment
For most active individuals, surgical repair is the preferred treatment option. Surgery involves reconnecting the torn ends of the Achilles tendon. In the past, this procedure required a large incision and a long period of immobilization, often leading to muscle atrophy, stiffness, and swelling. Patients would be placed in a long leg cast for months, followed by a lengthy rehabilitation period.
Fortunately, advances in orthopedic surgery now allow for minimally invasive procedures. Surgeons can repair the Achilles tendon through small incisions, reducing the risk of complications and allowing for quicker recovery times. With this technique, patients can begin physical therapy sooner, regain mobility faster, and reduce the risk of long-term stiffness or weakness.
Returning to Pickleball After an Achilles Rupture
The good news is that most people can return to the sports and activities they love with proper treatment. Whether you opt for non-surgical or surgical treatment, a comprehensive rehabilitation program is essential for regaining strength and mobility.
Rehabilitation typically involves:
Gradual range of motion exercises to help restore your flexibility.
Strength training to rebuild muscle in your calf and surrounding areas.
Balance and agility exercises to help improve your coordination and prevent future injuries.
When you see one of our orthopaedic specialists here at POA, they will create a personalized treatment plan for your specific situation. Following your surgeon's recommendations, which may include closely working with a physical therapist, helps to ensure a full recovery. With the right care, many pickleball players can return to the court within 6 to 12 months.
Preventing Achilles Ruptures in Pickleball
While Achilles ruptures can be a serious and painful injury, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of experiencing one.
Here are some key prevention tips:
Make sure you warm up before playing pickleball. A proper warm-up is essential to reduce your risk of injury. Before playing pickleball, spend 5 to 10 minutes stretching your calf muscles and Achilles tendons. Include dynamic stretches such as calf raises, ankle circles, and gentle jogging to get your muscles warm and ready for action.
Strengthen Your Calf Muscles. Building strength in your calf muscles can help take the load off your Achilles tendon. Incorporate exercises such as heel raises, resistance band exercises, and leg presses into your routine to strengthen the muscles that support the Achilles.
Gradually increase your game activity. If you're new to pickleball or haven't played in a while, ease into the game. Avoid going all out in your first few sessions. Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your games to allow your body to adapt.
Wear Proper Footwear. Supportive shoes are key in protecting your Achilles tendon. Make sure your shoes have good arch support and cushioning to absorb the impact of quick stops and starts on the pickleball court.
Listen to Your Body. If you experience any pain or tightness in your Achilles, it's important that you take a break and rest. Overworking the tendon can increase your risk of injury. Make sure you pay attention to how your body feels, and don't push through discomfort!
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Pickleball is an exciting and fast-growing sport! It's important to pay attention to the injury risks associated with it, particularly Achilles ruptures. While the injury can be serious, advances in treatment—such as minimally invasive surgery—allow for faster recovery and a return to the activities you love. By taking preventative measures like warming up, strengthening your muscles, and wearing proper footwear, you can reduce your risk of injury and continue enjoying the game.
If you do experience an Achilles injury, seek medical attention immediately. The sooner you receive treatment, the better your chances of a full recovery. With the right care and rehabilitation, many players can return to the pickleball court stronger than ever.
This blog post is meant to be informative and should not act as a self-diagnosis tool. If you’d like to see one of our doctors, please contact us here.
