Pickleball has experienced remarkable growth, with a reported increase of 158.6%, according to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association. This surge can be attributed to factors such as enhanced well-being, physical fitness, social interaction, and improved life satisfaction. Many players find that participating in Pickleball helps to reduce stress, and its straightforward rules make it accessible to individuals of all ages and skill levels.

This article provides an update on foot and ankle injuries related to Pickleball over the past three years.

Currently, the average age of a Pickleball player is 35 years old. However, most injuries occur among older players aged 50 and above, accounting for 90% of all injuries.

These injuries tend to happen in the first three months of the year when people try to become more active, often moving to warmer climates, such as "snowbirds." The most common injuries are slips, trips, falls, and diving-related incidents, which comprise approximately 63% of all injuries. Women are 3 to 4 times more likely than men to suffer fractures, strains, or sprains. 

The most prevalent injuries include those to the Achilles tendon, such as strains, sprains, and tears. These injuries occur due to sudden deceleration, stopping and starting, quick changes of direction, repetitive impact on hard surfaces, inadequate footwear, and improper training. Players should wear specialized Pickleball, tennis, or court shoes; running shoes are unsuitable for this activity as they do not provide the necessary stability for lateral movements on a Pickleball court.

Other common injury causes relate to changes in playing surfaces. For instance, indoor courts often differ from outdoor courts. Outdoor Pickleball balls are harder, with smaller holes, allowing for faster play, with speeds reaching 30 to 40 mph. If players are unprepared for this change in speed, their balance and mechanics may be compromised. 

There are specific types of shoes designed for both indoor and outdoor surfaces. Outdoor shoes feature durable outsoles made from firmer rubber, which enhances the shoe's longevity. The tread on outdoor shoes is designed to adapt to different court surfaces, such as asphalt and concrete. In contrast, indoor shoes have softer rubber soles and more mesh in the upper design, making them lighter and better suited for gymnasium surfaces. While outdoor shoes can be used indoors, indoor shoes should not be used outdoors, as they may not withstand the demands of that environment. Additionally, custom orthotics may be beneficial for extra support. Custom orthotic insoles can enhance performance and help prevent, repair, and correct various foot issues, making each step safer, more stable, and pain-free.

In conclusion, while Pickleball offers significant physical and social benefits, players must be aware of the associated risks, particularly regarding foot and ankle injuries. Understanding these injury risks and the importance of appropriate footwear can help minimize hazards. Players can enjoy the game safely by taking precautions, such as wearing the right shoes for the court surface and being aware of changes in playing conditions. Proper training and preparation are vital to ensuring a positive and injury-free experience on the Pickleball court.

To learn more about how custom orthotics can help you reach and exceed your goals and improve your activity so that you can do more of what you love with more confidence and less pain and to schedule your comprehensive biomechanical evaluation visit or call our Sports Medicine Podiatry Center and book an appointment at our Marlton, N.J. Sports Medicine Facility or Ridley Park, P.A. Office location with one of our podiatric sports medicine specialists today at (610) 522-9200.

Looking to get a leg up on your golf game? Look no further than Dr. Cohen’s “Secret Weapon” Custom Orthotic Inserts and his latest “Secret Weapon 2.0” Traditional Golf Shoe Custom Orthotic Inserts.

It is because every great stance and swing needs a solid foundation for optimal alignment that the avid golfing, sports medicine podiatry expert, Dr. Lee Cohen developed the “Secret Weapon” Custom Orthotic Shoe Inserts, and his latest “Secret Weapon 2.0” Traditional Golf Shoe Inserts designed specifically to fit the needs of golf athletes and enthusiasts. The Golf Shoe “Secret Weapons” are customized and can fit comfortably into any type of golf shoe.

Golf shoes have undoubtedly evolved over the years in both style and function. Many golf shoe manufacturers have followed the running shoe industry’s lead by developing a minimal drop shoe, which simply means that the heel position and the forefoot position are approximately the same height. This allows inserts like Dr. Cohen’s “Secret Weapon” Custom Orthotic Inserts to fit into the shoe, just as they would into a running shoe. 

Traditional golf shoes however are designed to position the heel higher than the forefoot, which means that it’s been historically more difficult to find a custom orthotic that would fit the traditional golf shoe type of design…..until now. Dr. Cohen has designed the “Secret Weapon 2.0” Golf Shoe Custom Orthotic Inserts specifically for traditional golf-shoe wearers. These custom inserts provide added comfort, balance, and stability during the all-important transition from your takeaway to your follow-through. They do this by comfortably yet firmly cupping your heel while decreasing the movement in your foot’s arch.

The “Secret Weapon” Orthotic Golf Shoe Inserts are fabricated from a custom plaster mold of your foot and use specific biomechanical measurements taken from your feet and legs.

To schedule your biomechanical examination and custom orthotic evaluation or to learn more about how our “Secret Weapon” Golf Shoe Inserts can help you improve your performance on and off the golf course, call our office today at (610) 522-9200 or visit www.drleecohen.com/contact.

Dr. Lee S. Cohen & Associates is pleased to announce the addition of in office Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy to its list of treatment modalities provided at its Delaware County, PA. office located in Ridley Park.

Shockwave therapy is an FDA approved non-invasive treatment that stimulates the body’s natural healing process in athletes and individuals of all ages. It can relieve pain and promote healing of injured tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues by releasing growth factors in the injured tissue and can be used to treat many acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions such as plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, sesamoiditis, Morton’s Neuromas, shin splints, and stress fractures. 

“We have been using Shockwave therapy for many years as a treatment option in our Cherry Hill Sports Medicine Podiatry Center and have found the treatments to be extremely effective especially when used with active patients who are struggling with pain and not responding to conventional treatment after an injury which we can utilize as an alternative to surgery. With shockwave therapy, patients can benefit from immediate post-procedure reduction in pain and improved range of motion. 

With the addition and expertise of Dr. Alicia Canzanese, we are excited to now be able to offer shockwave therapy to patients in both of our sports medicine podiatry offices located in Cherry Hill, N.J. and Ridley Park, PA.” -Dr. Lee S. Cohen

You may have seen them on the sidelines at sporting events, many times they are the first medical professionals on the scene after an injury, which is why we refer to them as front-line heroes. Athletic Trainers play a crucial role in the world of sports and sports medicine, but also one that is known for being misunderstood. Athletic Trainers are NOT to be confused with fitness trainers by any means. So now that the air and confusion have been cleared up and in honor of National Athletic Trainers Month we are on a mission. The mission is simple: To help people understand what a big deal athletic trainers are, on and off the field, by providing some information about what it is exactly that they do! Because it’s awesome, so here goes……

What exactly is a certified athletic trainer (ATC)?

The definition of athletic training, according to the Strategic Implementation Team of the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA): "Athletic training is practiced by athletic trainers, health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to optimize activity and quality of life for patients both of the physically active and sedentary population. Athletic training encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, and intervention of emergency, acute, and chronic medical conditions involving impairment, functional limitations, and disabilities."

An athletic trainer is a highly qualified healthcare professional who:

• Meets the qualifications set by a state Board of Certification, Inc. or state licensure
• Must have a bachelor’s degree (Many hold one or multiple MA and Doctorate degrees).
• To earn the ATC credential, passing a comprehensive exam is required
• Are held to the standards of professional practice
• Must participate in continuation education
• Works in schools, universities, pro sports, the military, business, and/or industry

In schools and sports athletic trainers:

• Recognize and examine injuries
• Provide first aid and emergency care when needed
• Document and report on injuries
• Coordinate care with physicians and health care professionals
• Develop and implement injury and illness prevention programs
• Promote wellness education
• Design treatment and rehabilitation programs
• Apply necessary protective and preventative materials or devices
• Help to support the mental health of athletes as well as help manage chronic conditions
• And much, much more

At Dr. Lee S. Cohen and Associates, Sports Medicine Podiatry Center, our team of highly qualified athletic trainers performs many important functions including evaluating injuries, performing biomechanics/gait analysis, monitoring clients during treatments, reviewing at-home exercises with patients, helping to prepare and process paperwork for physicians and insurance companies and are instrumental in helping to mold and fit our patients with their “Secret Weapon” custom orthotic insoles. Beyond that, our ATC’s wear another very important hat when it comes to providing superior care to our patients, they personally ensure that our patients continue to feel motivated, secure, and confident, by providing personalized patient care to each patient throughout the entire treatment and rehabilitation process. They do all of this amazingly well and so much more every day. Thank you to our all-star team of Athletic Trainers Mc, Scott, Tim, Melissa, and Shawn for all of your hard work and dedication. We appreciate you!

We hope that we shed some light on the subject of what athletic trainer does and how vitally important they are in their roles as front-line medical professionals whether it be on the field, in schools, or in businesses and healthcare practices like ours.

Thank you to all of the ATC’s out there especially those whom we consider friends and family, hats off to you. We are singing your praises and wish you a very Happy National Athletic Trainers Month. Thank you for all that you do.

Dr. Lee S. Cohen and Associates, Sports Medicine Podiatry Center provides specialized injury and prevention treatment of the lower body extremities, biomechanical performance enhancement, and general podiatric foot and ankle medical treatment solutions for individuals and their families serving South Jersey and Philadelphia and surrounding areas with offices conveniently located in Marlton, N.J. and Ridley Park, PA.