EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Pickleball is often called “ America’s fastest-growing sport ,” with the latest reports estimating that there are 36.5 million pickleball players in the country.

But as the sport rises in popularity, so does the number of pickleball-related injuries.

According to Lifespan , the most common injuries caused by pickleball are due to a lack of training. Pickleball is a “bursting” activity, which means that players can go from standing still to lunging to hit a ball — a vigorous activity that people who don’t regularly engage in sports might not be ready for.

What are the most common pickleball injuries?

Here’s a list, according to Lifespan:

• Strained calf muscles
• Ankle sprains
• Knee injuries
• Meniscus tears

More severe injuries, such as a torn Achilles tendon, can also happen.

Overuse injuries in the upper body also may occur. Those include rotator cuff injuries from swinging a racket or tennis elbow from gripping the racket too tightly.

How can I keep myself safe while playing pickleball?

The best way to prevent pickleball injury is by warming up prior to playing a game. Stretching your calves, quadriceps, shoulders and arms will help to loosen up the muscles and lessen your chance of strains and sprains.

It’s also important to get the blood flowing before partaking in any exercise. Lifespan suggests doing jumping jacks or jogging in place to increase blood flow and warm the muscles.

Cold weather can combat the blood-warming efforts, so if you’re planning on playing pickleball in the winter, be sure to wear adequate clothing.

How do I treat a pickleball-related injury?

If you do wind up injuring yourself during an intense pickleball match, it’s important to know how to treat those injuries.

If you feel tight or sore the day after partaking in pickleball, that’s a common sign of overuse. Using the RICE method — rest, ice, compression, elevation — is a safe way of treating sore muscles. Soreness is different from feeling a pop or a twinging pain sensation, in which case you should call your doctor or visit a local urgent care center.

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