Don’t let ankle sprains sideline your pickleball game!

Sevan — Fri, 29 May 2026 16:25:44 +0000

Pickleball is one of those sports that can be played by the young and the old, it is easy to learn and is a great way to stay active. However, like any activity that involves quick starts, stops and quick direction changes, it comes with some risks. Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries because of the constant pivoting and quick motions. The good news is that ankle sprains don’t have to sideline you. With the right approach, you can recover, reduce the risk or re-injury and keep doing more of what you love- Pickleball!

Pickleball is considered low impact, but the lower extremities are working hard. Sudden side to side movements, reaching for a shot, or stepping awkwardly can all cause the ankle to roll leading to a sprain. Some contributing factors like:

Previous ankle injuries.
Improper footwear, that do not provide support.
Weakness or instability in the ankles.
Poor foot mechanics that affect balance and alignment.

What to do Immediately After the Sprain

If you think you have sprained your ankle, never play through the pain. This can lead to longer recovery time and recurring issues, which can sideline you down the road. There are a few things you can do to help get back to the game sooner:

Rest and ice the ankle to reduce the swelling.
Mild compression and elevation help to reduce swelling.
Gradual return to activity.
Strength and balance exercises to help improve the support and stability.
Mobility exercises to restore the proper range of motion to help you move more naturally.

Returning to the game is not just about waiting for the pain to go away, but about restoring the strength, mobility and confidence in your ankle.

The Role of Proper Support

Proper footwear matters more than many people think. Pickleball court shoes provide lateral support and have a stable base to reduce the risk of sprained ankles. Ankle braces can offer stability during the activity, especially in the early return to the game. Custom orthotics can help address any mechanical issues and help to improve alignment controlling the forces that move through the lower extremities. A BioPed clinician can assess your specific need and help determine whether these options are appropriate for you.

Preventing Future Strains

Once you have sprained your ankle, the risk of spraining it again increases, but here are some helpful tips to help prevent you from re-spraining your ankle.

Warm up before playing.
Keep up with the strength and balance training exercises.
Replace worn out shoes, and wear properly fitted court shoes.
Pay attention to your body, if it is telling you to rest, do so.

An ankle sprain can feel like a huge setback, but it does not have to keep you sidelined forever. With the right mix of strength training and support you can get back to doing more of what you love. If you are dealing with an ankle injury or what advice contact a BioPed clinician, they are here to help guide you every step of the way.

The post Don’t let ankle sprains sideline your pickleball game! appeared first on Relieve Foot Pain & Leg Pain.

Shockwave Therapy – Treatment for Pain or Injury

BioPed Footcare — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 11:29:39 +0000

Shockwave therapy – treatment for pain or injury

Did you know that Shockwave therapy has been safely treating muscle, ligament and bone injuries for decades? Shockwave machines can be found at Olympic events, at the World Cup, at athletic events and at major medical institutions around the world, including the Mayo Clinic.
Shockwave therapy has been well studied in hundreds of medical research papers and is capable of treating a number of leg and foot disorders. Some examples include:

Plantar Fasciitis/ Heel Spurs
Achilles Tendon Problems
Shin Splints
Neuroma

Myths?

It is very painful. If discomfort is felt, this typically means that the area of concern is being targeted. The discomfort felt is often described as tolerable and if it is intolerable or painful, we can adjust the settings immediately.

You cannot treat long-standing problems with shockwave. The opposite is true, shockwave treats chronic/long-standing problems better than most other treatments, but can still be used to treat new conditions.

Treatments are costly and not covered by insurance. Treatment is not covered by OHIP, but is usually covered under a third party insurance plan. Every plan is different, so you would need to inquire with your benefit provider. Often times, coverage will be listed as Chiropodist/Podiatrist services. The good news? It is still affordable for those without coverage; the average cost per visit is less than $100.

Process?

The wand is placed against the skin and short, high energy pulses are created. This causes a ripple effect (think of a stone hitting pondwater), transferring energy to the damaged tissues, stimulating repair, healing and reducing pain with time. Each treatment typically takes 15-30 minutes depending on the area being treated. You can expect to have 3-5 treatments.

Safety?

The use of shockwave is very safe in adults. It has been successfully used in Europe for decades. It is a great alternative to surgery as there is no anesthesia, no medications, no downtime and less risks.

Conditions that would preclude you from obtaining treatment include, pregnancy, some heart conditions (e.g. artificial valve, pacemaker), clotting disorders, taking blood thinners, cancer, infection in the immediate area, age (<16 years). You will want to speak with your lower limb clinician to determine if this is the right treatment for you.

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