A Podiatrist’s Perspective on Pickleball in NYC

Pickleball has picked up in all parts of the city, and as the most popular paddle sport to play here, it is worth speaking on from a podiatric perspective.

While it’s a relatively low-impact activity, playing pickleball in the bustling environment of New York City can pose unique challenges for foot and ankle health. Board Certified Podiatrist Lionel G. Hausman, DPM, and our team recognize this and want all our patients to be ahead of the curve and not just the spin on the serve.

Potential Foot and Ankle Injuries

Because pickleball mirrors the same muscle recruitment of tennis, it also mirrors the same potential missteps and mishaps:

  • Plantar fasciitis: The repetitive nature of pickleball can lead to inflammation of the plantar fascia or the tissue that bridges the heel to the toes.
  • Ankle sprains: Sudden changes in direction and uneven surfaces can increase the risk of ankle injuries and chronic ankle instability.
  • Blisters: Friction from shoes and prolonged play can cause blisters. Especially on the hot NYC courts, moisture can also play a role in affecting skin.

Foot and Ankle Benefits of Pickleball

Like tennis, pickleball’s split second changes in direction can improve your hand eye coordination. Since these sudden movements are propelled by your legs, feet, and ankles, you also get a considerable boost in lower body strength by engaging these muscles.

Of course, this exercise is quite the sweat, which means you are staving off the negative effects of weight gain, diabetes, and cardiovascular issues that otherwise lead to foot and ankle complications.

The Right Shoe

For pickleball, we recommend wearing tennis shoes, as they are designed for quick and hard lateral movements. Running shoes are not ideal since they don’t have the same ankle stability for horizontal intensity.

Beyond footwear, choose custom orthotics for additional support, and with the long waiting times on NYC courts, there’s no excuse not to stretch your lower body. Stay hydrated out there and happy playing.

If you want healthier feet, be sure to visit Gramercy Park for an appointment with Board Certified Podiatrist Lionel G. Hausman, DPM. Whether it’s an ingrown toenail, heel painbunions, or plantar fasciitis, Dr. Hausman can expertly treat a wide variety of foot and ankle conditions. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today!

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