Some of you may be asking “Is pickleball good for arthritis”. The rest of you are probably asking “What is pickleball?”. Those questions are what this article aims to answer. Pickleball may not hold the same popularity as older sports like basketball and badminton, but it’s certainly part of the conversation.
Pickleball Basics
Pickleball was established in the mid-1960s by Joel Pritchard, Barney McCallum, and Bill Bell after a boring summer afternoon. Having lost the shuttlecock for badminton, they improvised a game using wide paddles and a Cosom Fun Ball. Over time, this afternoon’s experiment turned into a phenomenon. Pickleball has slowly but surely been building its player base over the past few decades. While it is great for all age groups, pickleball’s rise amongst the elderly as an arthritis sport cannot be ignored.
As far as arthritis sports go, pickleball is one of the best sports to play. The way the game is structured and played lends itself well to soothing achy joints and sore muscles. That’s because the sport allows them to be active in a way that other sports just wouldn’t allow for.
The court is designed to be smaller than a tennis court. This is by design because the smaller space makes it easier to get around. At the same time, it also makes games feel more intimate and fast-paced, despite the low-impact movement. It’s great for adults looking after their elderly parents who still want some physical exercise.
If you’re worried about getting your head around the rules, there’s really no need to be. They’re straightforward and newbie-friendly. Now, the interesting part about pickleball is that it’s not about how strong you are. There’s a lot more focus on positioning and reflexes. Since the ball is so light and the space more intimate, it’s a lot less physically taxing while still retaining that mental game. That’s why it ranks highly for arthritis sports.
This characteristic makes pickleball an excellent choice for people living with arthritis. It’s less about power and more about strategic movement. So you see, it’s a sport that keeps you active without straining your joints too much.
Arthritis Management
Pickleball is one of the best arthritis sports. As those who live with it can tell you, arthritis is a very painful and stiff affair. It’s a condition that can make physical activity seem unappealing at best, and nightmarish at worst. However, regular, moderate exercise is key to managing arthritis symptoms.
Speaking of joints, pickleball is a sport that involves controlled, repetitive movements. Over time, with regular play, your joints will become more flexible and less stiff, thereby enhancing your range of motion. Joint exercises tend to be boring, so adding the sport element to it makes it a lot more enticing to do regularly.
Strengthening Muscles
The muscles around the joints act as support structures. By strengthening these muscles, you give your joints the support they need. The varied movements of pickleball allow you to exercise these muscles without overloading your joints, hence promoting better joint health.
The physical activity from pickleball also triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. This process helps control the chronic pain that arthritis sufferers often experience. Additionally, regular movement from playing the sport decreases soreness across the body, thereby providing additional pain relief.
Building Endurance
Excess weight is a common aggravating factor for arthritis. It increases the stress on weight-bearing joints, particularly the extremities. Pickleball offers an enjoyable, engaging way to stay active and burn calories. This helps maintain a healthy weight, thus reducing pressure on the joints.
Remember, arthritis can cause fatigue and limit daily activities. Regular engagement in pickleball helps increase stamina and energy levels. This enhanced energy and endurance will help you carry out your daily activities with less fatigue, hence improving your overall quality of life.
Social Interaction
The social component of pickleball is as crucial as its physical benefits. The isolation that comes with arthritis often intensifies feelings of discomfort and pain. Pickleball games, just like any competitive sport, are a social affair. Since the community is still growing, it’s a lot more likely to meet people who are genuinely excited about learning a new game. The bond of learning is a strong icebreaker.
Precautions
Before engaging in pickleball, it’s important to consult with your doctor or physical therapist. Even if it’s among the best arthritis sports, it’s important to play it safe. For example, when choosing a pickleball outfit, it’s important to choose something that is comfortable and supportive.
Go for loose-fitting clothing that allows you freedom of movement. For particularly painful cases, you might want to wear a supportive brace or wrap on your joints.
Start every game with a warm-up to prepare your body, and cool down afterward to help your body recover. Listen to your body during play and take breaks as necessary.
