Pickleball is a fun, popular, and social sport that is enjoyed by people of all ages in St. Louis. In this post, we will discuss knee swelling when playing pickleball occurs, what causes it, what to do, and when to get help for it.
Should I Be Concerned If My Knee Swells When I Play Pickleball?
While knee swelling can be a common occurrence for those who play pickleball, it is important to pay attention to any changes in the swelling or pain.
If the swelling is excessive or accompanied by severe pain, it is important to get it checked out.
Knee swelling can be an indication of a more severe injury, such as a ligament injury or torn meniscus, which requires attention to prevent further damage.
However, in most cases, knee swelling can be a result of overuse, improper warm-up, or poor technique.
Knee swelling can also occur as a result of knee arthritis or other chronic conditions.
If you experience knee swelling after playing pickleball, it is important to take steps to reduce inflammation and allow your knee to heal.
What Can Cause Your Knee to Swell When Playing Pickleball?
There are several reasons why your knee may be swelling when playing pickleball. These include:
1. Overuse
2. Poor technique
3. Inadequate warm-up before playing pickleball
4. Knee arthritis or other chronic conditions
5. Torn ligament or meniscus
If you experience knee swelling, it is important to identify the cause and take steps to prevent it from happening again.
Overuse and poor technique can be addressed through proper training and conditioning, while ensuring an adequate dynamic warm-up can help prevent injuries.
If you have arthritis or other chronic conditions, it is important to consult with a medical professional to determine the best course of treatment. All of these causes can be addressed and treated by a physical therapist.
Learn about our physical therapy for pickleball players.
What to Do if Your Knee Swells When You Play Pickleball?
If you experience knee swelling after playing pickleball, there are several steps you can do to reduce inflammation and promote healing. These include:
1. Rest your knee
2. Elevate your knee above the level of your heart
3. Apply ice to affected area
4. Use compression bandages or braces to support your knee
5. Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed by medical professional
Furthermore, it is important to avoid activities that aggravate your knee to allow it to heal.
If your symptoms persist, it is important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause of your knee swelling.
When to Get Help If Your Knee Swells When You Play Pickleball?
If you experience severe pain, excessive swelling, or difficulty moving your knee, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. These symptoms can be an indication of a more severe injury.
If you experience knee swelling after playing pickleball on a regular basis, it is important to consult a medical professional, especially a physical therapist.
A physical therapist can help pickleball players identify the underlying movement cause of your knee swelling and develop a treatment plan to address it. Physical therapy may include exercises to strengthen your knee, stretches to improve your range of motion, and techniques to improve the way that you move on the pickleball court.
At More 4 Life, our physical therapists are experienced in treating a variety of knee injuries, including knee swelling.
We work with each person to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses their specific needs and helps them achieve their goals.
If you are experiencing knee swelling when playing pickleball, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with us today.
Scheduling an Appointment
If you experience knee swelling on a regular basis, it is important to consult with a physical therapist to identify the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan.
At More 4 Life, our physical therapists are here to help you get back to enjoying pickleball and other activities.
You can contact us at 314-941-3970 or tap the button below to request a Pickleball Injury Consultation.