Proper Footwear Can Prevent Pickleball Injuries: MD Podiatrist

Pickleball has exploded in popularity in recent years, especially among those 50 and older. And, as is often the case when a new sport catches on, injuries are growing along with participation. Dan Michaels, DPM says he commonly sees inversion ankle sprains from pickleball, injuries that occur when the foot twists upward and the ankle rolls inward, often the result of inappropriate shoes. Many runners who take up pickleball assume they can play in running shoes: Don’t.
 
“Many running shoes today have a “˜rocker’ sole, that is, viewing the shoe from the side, the forefoot of the shoe is curved up,” Laps says. “This aids push-off off during running and walking. But rocker-type soled shoes should not be used to play a court sport. The side-to-side motion on a pickleball court increases the likelihood that the player will twist the foot at the ankle and thus, sprain the ankle.”