While many people associate pickleball with elbow or shoulder pain, lower body injuries are just as common. Quick side-to-side movement, repeated lunging, and sudden changes in direction place significant stress on the hips, lower back, ankles, and feet.
Hip Strains and Hip Flexor Injuries
The hips generate much of the power needed for movement across the court. Weak hip muscles or poor flexibility can increase stress on surrounding joints and soft tissues.
Common hip injuries include:
- Hip flexor strains
- Gluteal muscle strains
- Hip bursitis
- Tendon irritation
- Muscle tightness
Symptoms
You may experience:
- Pain in the front or side of the hip
- Stiffness after playing
- Pain lifting your knee
- Discomfort climbing stairs
- Reduced range of motion
Physiotherapy helps improve hip mobility while strengthening the muscles responsible for stability and power. Improving hip strength often reduces stress on the knees and lower back as well.
