Pickleball and Your Feet: Common Injuries and How to Prevent Them
Pickleball has taken Las Vegas — and the country — by storm. It’s fast, fun, and easy to learn, which makes it a favorite among all age groups. But as more people hit the court, foot and ankle injuries are becoming increasingly common.
At The Foot Docs, our specialists treat many pickleball enthusiasts who experience pain from repetitive play, poor footwear, or sudden stops and pivots on hard court surfaces. Here’s how to keep your feet healthy and stay in the game.
Why Pickleball Stresses Your Feet
Pickleball combines the side-to-side motion of tennis with the quick starts and stops of basketball — but it’s often played on hard surfaces like asphalt or concrete. These movements create heavy impact on your feet and ankles, especially without proper support.
Common contributing factors include:
- Playing on rigid, non-cushioned courts
- Worn-out or unsupportive footwear
- Overuse without proper rest or recovery
- Poor foot mechanics such as flat feet or high arches
Common Pickleball Injuries We See at The Foot Docs
1. Plantar Fasciitis
Repetitive stress on the plantar fascia (the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of your foot) can lead to sharp heel pain, especially when getting out of bed in the morning or after long matches.
2. Achilles Tendinitis
Those quick sprints and lunges can strain the Achilles tendon — the strong cord connecting your calf muscles to your heel bone. Symptoms include stiffness, swelling, and tenderness behind the heel.
3. Ankle Sprains
Sudden side-to-side movements or awkward landings can overstretch the ligaments in the ankle. Without proper support, a mild twist can quickly turn into a painful sprain.
4. Stress Fractures
High-impact play on hard surfaces can lead to tiny cracks in the bones of your foot or ankle, often causing persistent swelling or tenderness that doesn’t improve with rest.
How to Prevent Pickleball Injuries
1. Wear the Right Shoes
Your footwear is your first line of defense. Choose court-specific shoes that support side-to-side motion, have firm heel counters, and offer good midsole cushioning. Replace them every 6–9 months or sooner if they feel flat or worn.
2. Warm Up and Stretch
Start every match with light movement and dynamic stretches, and finish with calf and arch stretches to prevent strain and tightness.
3. Rotate Shoes and Surfaces
Switching between two pairs of shoes gives the cushioning time to recover. If possible, practice on softer or indoor courts to reduce repetitive impact.
4. Skip Going Barefoot After Play
After a game, your feet need structured support. Walking barefoot — especially on tile or concrete — can aggravate inflammation and delay recovery.
How The Foot Docs Can Help
If you’re experiencing ongoing foot or ankle pain from pickleball or other activities, The Foot Docs provide a full range of diagnostic and regenerative treatments to get you back on your feet safely.
We use digital X-rays to catch stress fractures early and 3D gait and pressure mapping to analyze how your feet move under load. This allows us to pinpoint the root cause of your pain and create custom orthotics for long-term support and balance.
For active patients, our advanced therapies accelerate healing and reduce downtime:
- Remy Class IV Laser Therapy: Reduces inflammation, relieves pain, and promotes cellular recovery.
- Regenerative Injections: Help rebuild and strengthen soft tissues naturally for long-term results.
Whether it’s a mild strain or a recurring injury, our board-certified specialists customize each treatment plan to fit your activity level and goals — helping you return to the court quickly and confidently.
Stay in the Game, Pain-Free
Pickleball should be about fun and fitness — not foot pain. If soreness, stiffness, or swelling are keeping you from playing your best, let The Foot Docs help.
We combine advanced technology with personalized care to keep Las Vegas athletes moving pain-free.📞 Call 702-530-2283
📍 6835 W Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89117