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easier than ever before partially because of our multi-modal a good pair of properly fitted cross-training or tennis sneakers
pain management protocol which helps prevent and down- hopefully make it safer. If you already have some degree of
regulate pain and postoperative complications. chronic hip or knee pain, many of my patients will take an
anti-inflammatory prior to play. Recognize any impact activity
The reasons my patients opt for joint replacement surgery
are as diverse as the individuals themselves. Degenerative including pickleball may not be the optimal activity to preserve
osteoarthritis is the most common underlying condition. More your hip or knee and may result in you needing to seek a
recently I see a lot of injuries stemming from pickleball which hip or knee replacement sooner. Each of us must seek our
can cause or exacerbate an arthritic hip or knee condition. own balance in life which allows us to remain active, socially
engaged and have fun.
I care for many patients with a passion for pickleball. Some
must stop playing because of pain from their arthritic hip or The Leone Center for Orthopedic Care at Holy Cross Health
knee. Many share that one of their motivations to proceed with is located at 1000 NE 56th Street in Fort Lauderdale.
a hip or knee replacement is to relieve their pain so they can For more information or to schedule a consultation, please call
again return to a sport which they enjoy and is social. 954-489-4575 or visit holycrossleonecenter.com.

Unfortunately, aging bones are often not as strong and soft
tissues aren’t as flexible as they used to be. As we age,
specialized cartilage which covers the ends of our bones is
more susceptible to injury. Inflammation, swelling and joint
pain results when this cartilage breaks down. We refer to this
condition as “arthritis”. Taking extra time to warm up with
stretching, balance and strengthening exercises before we play
can lessen the chance of injury.
To reduce your risk of injury before stepping onto a pickleball
court, each person must understand his or her individual
limitations. Conditioning, core strengthening and balance
exercises can decrease these limitations and help prevent
further demise as you age. Many of my patients are passionate
pickleball players. The key is to optimize before participating.
Pickleball requires only a paddle and enthusiasm to play, but
warming up and stretching before you play and investing in

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