Summer sports season is in full swing — and so are the pickleball, golf, and weekend warrior injuries that often come with it.
Earlier this month, Dr. Ryan Roubion of Metairie Orthopedics & Sports Medicine joined FOX 8 WVUE to discuss the rise in warm-weather sports injuries affecting active adults this summer.
From “pickleball elbow” and shoulder tendonitis to low back pain, knee injuries, and overuse conditions, many people are jumping back into activity too quickly without proper warmups, conditioning, or recovery.
Watch the original FOX 8 WVUE segment: Dr. Roubion on common pickleball, golf, and weekend warrior injuries.
Why Summer Sports Injuries Happen
As more people return to outdoor activities like pickleball, golf, running, and recreational sports, orthopedic injuries often increase. Some injuries happen suddenly after a fall or awkward movement, while others develop gradually from repetitive stress and overuse.
Dr. Roubion’s advice: Don’t go from zero to one hundred. Build up gradually, listen to your body, and allow time for proper recovery.
Common Pickleball, Golf, and Weekend Warrior Injuries
Many summer sports injuries involve repetitive motion, sudden changes in direction, or returning to activity too quickly after time away. Common trouble spots include the elbow, shoulder, and knee.
Elbow Pain
Repetitive gripping and swinging can lead to tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, or what many now call “pickleball elbow.”
Shoulder Pain
Overhead motion, repetitive swings, and poor conditioning can contribute to shoulder tendonitis and inflammation.
Knee Injuries
Cutting, pivoting, and sudden stops can place stress on the knee, especially as muscles become fatigued.
Warm Up Before You Play
One of the easiest ways to reduce injury risk is to arrive early and give your body time to prepare. Instead of rushing straight from work to the court or course, spend 10 to 15 minutes warming up.
- Start with light movement
- Use dynamic stretching
- Move your joints through a comfortable range of motion
- Gradually increase intensity before full play
When Soreness May Be Something More
Some soreness after activity is normal. However, pain that does not improve should not be ignored. Dr. Roubion recommends seeking orthopedic evaluation if pain lasts longer than one to two weeks, interferes with daily activities, worsens over time, or causes weakness, swelling, or instability.
Recovery Is Part of Staying Active
Rest days are not a setback. They are an important part of long-term performance and injury prevention. Whether you are preparing for a pickleball tournament, playing multiple rounds of golf, or training for a summer race, recovery helps protect your joints, muscles, and tendons.
Experiencing Joint Pain or a Sports Injury?
If pain is keeping you from enjoying the activities you love, the team at Metairie Orthopedics & Sports Medicine can help.
Our orthopedic specialists provide care for sports injuries, shoulder pain, elbow pain, knee pain, tendonitis, fractures, arthritis, and other orthopedic conditions affecting active adults throughout Metairie and the Greater New Orleans area.