Pickleball & Knee Injuries: A Sports Chiropractor’s Playbook for Prevention and Recovery in Springfield, MO

Pickleball is booming all across the Ozarks. But as fun as the sport is, those quick pivots and sudden stops can take a toll on your knees. When injury strikes, a skilled sports chiropractor is your best ally for getting back in the game.

Common Pickleball Knee Injuries

Each year, around 19,000 pickleball injuries occur, with knees being a major concern. Here are the most common knee injuries:

• Patellar Tendinitis (Jumper’s Knee): Pain from inflammation in the front of the knee.
• Meniscus Tears: Damage from sudden twists or pivots.
• ACL/MCL Injuries: Ligament strains from rapid direction changes.
• Runner’s Knee (IT Band Syndrome): Outer knee pain from overuse.
• Chondromalacia: Cartilage breakdown causing stiffness.

Why Pickleball Players Get Injured

Common risk factors for knee injuries on courts throughout The Ozarks include:

• Repetitive stress from sudden stops and pivots.
• Skipping warm-ups, leaving muscles tight and prone to injury.
• Wearing improper or worn-out footwear.
• Overuse from playing without adequate recovery.
• Age-related muscle weakness and reduced joint flexibility.

How to Prevent Knee Injuries: Tips from a Springfield, MO Sports Chiropractor

To stay injury-free on the courts of Southwest Missouri, follow these expert strategies:

• Strengthen Your Knees: Focus on exercises like squats, lunges, and leg presses.
• Improve Technique: Work with a coach to master safe movement patterns.
• Use Proper Gear: Invest in high-quality pickleball shoes and knee braces if needed.
• Rest and Recover: Listen to your body and don’t push through pain.
• Fuel Your Body: Maintain proper hydration and nutrition for joint health.

Treating Knee Injuries with Sports Chiropractic Care in Southwest Missouri

If knee pain hits, here’s how a sports chiropractor can help:

• Assessment and Diagnosis: Thorough evaluation of your injury.
• Hands-On Therapy: Chiropractic adjustments and soft tissue work.
• Rehab Plans: Customized exercises for strength and mobility recovery.
• Advanced Care: Referrals for imaging or surgical consultation if necessary.

Stronger Knees for Pickleball Success

To stay injury-free in The Ozarks, add these exercises to your routine:

• Short strength workouts like squats and lunges.
• Balance training with single-leg stands and stability balls.
• Daily stretching for flexibility in quads, hamstrings, and calves.
• Low-impact cardio, such as cycling or swimming, to build endurance.

Play Hard, Play Smart

Pickleball is growing rapidly in Springfield, MO—and so is the need for injury prevention. By following smart strategies and seeking expert care from a local sports chiropractor, you’ll keep your knees healthy and stay on the court longer.

Ready to protect your knees and play pain-free? Click here to book a free discovery call with our Springfield, MO sports chiropractors and get your personalized recovery plan!