The Hand & Upper Extremity Center of Georgia on Rising Pickleball Injuries & Safety

The specialty-trained hand doctors at The Hand & Upper Extremity Center of Georgia have noted an increase in upper extremity injuries alongside the growing number of pickleball players. As specialists in pickleball-related injuries, the practice’s expert team is sharing tips for reducing risk of injury on the pickleball court. Patients seeking specialized care for pickleball injuries are encouraged to call 404-255-0226 to schedule an appointment at one of their office locations in Atlanta, located at 980 Johnson Ferry Road NE, Suite 1020; in Alpharetta, located at 3400A Old Milton Parkway, Suite 350; or in Cumming, located at 2000 Howard Farm Drive, Suite 310.

The doctors at The Hand & Upper Extremity Center of Georgia serve as the exclusive regional doctors for Pickleball Doctors, a national authoritative resource on pickleball injury prevention and treatment from specialty-trained orthopedic and sports medicine doctors. The practice’s team of pickleball experts includes Dr. Gary Lourie, Dr. Allan Peljovich, Dr. Jeffrey Klugman, Dr. Joshua Ratner, Dr. Bryce Gillespie and Dr. Erika Templeton.

“As experts in sports medicine and athletic health, we are excited to see pickleball growing in our community,” said fellowship-trained hand and upper extremity specialist Dr. Gillespie. "Our team has the dedicated expertise to address and prevent injuries for pickleball players at all levels, offering a range of treatment options to keep our patients on the pickleball court."

The pickleball injury experts at The Hand & Upper Extremity Center of Georgia offer a list of the most common injuries affecting pickleball players and ways to avoid them:

• Pickleball elbow: Pickleball elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, can occur due to overuse. Prevent an elbow injury by warming up before playing and taking breaks to allow your arm to recover.
• Golfer’s elbow: Also known as medial epicondylitis, this is another overuse injury of the elbow. Make sure you use proper form and have the right weight of pickleball paddle.
• Rotator cuff injuries: Between falls and overuse, the rotator cuff of either arm is prone to injury. Proper stretching, warm-ups and form can help you stay limber and reduce risk of damage to the shoulder. 
• Wrist injuries: Wrist injuries from falls or improper technique are common in pickleball. Prevent injury by using supportive braces or wraps and practicing proper stroke techniques.

“If you do sustain an injury while playing pickleball,” added Dr. Gillespie, “make sure you don’t continue to play with any pain and seek treatment as soon as possible to avoid further injury and get safely back on the court sooner.”

To learn more about preventing pickleball injuries and when to seek treatment, please visit www.pickleballdoctors.com/region/atlanta or call The Hand & Upper Extremity Center of Georgia at 404-255-0226.