Lob Docs
at North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists
Our Lob Docs cater specifically to the needs of pickleball enthusiasts. As a respected orthopaedic and sports medicine practice, our expert providers bring years of experience treating athletes of all levels, from weekend warriors to competitive players. Whether you’re recovering from a minor tweak or a more serious injury, our team is committed to keeping you on the court.
Meet Your Lead Lob Doc: Dr. Ryan Riggs
Dr. Ryan Riggs, a fellowship-trained Sports Medicine Physician at North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists, leads the Lob Docs team. With extensive experience treating athletes, Dr. Riggs is dedicated to helping pickleball players recover from injuries and return to the sport they love. Combining advanced treatment techniques with a personalized approach to care, he ensures every patient receives the highest level of support and care.
Common Pickleball Injuries
Pickleball is a dynamic and fast-paced game with its share of risks. Here are some of the most common injuries our Lob Docs treat:
- Tennis Elbow: Overuse of the forearm muscles during repetitive backhand shots can lead to pain and inflammation on the outside of the elbow.
- Golfer’s Elbow: Overuse of the forearm muscles during repetitive forehand shots can cause pain and inflammation on the inside the elbow.
- Rotator Cuff Tears: Frequent overhead serves, and volleys can strain or tear the tendons in the shoulder, causing pain and limited range of motion.
- Achilles Tendonitis: Quick lateral movements and sudden stops can lead to inflammation of the Achilles tendon, resulting in pain and stiffness in the heel.
- Ankle Sprains: Uneven footing or abrupt changes in direction can cause the ligaments around the ankle to stretch or tear.
- Knee Injuries: Twisting movements and sudden pivots may lead to meniscus tears or ligament injuries such as ACL or MCL sprains.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Repeated pressure on the feet during play can cause plantar fascia inflammation, leading to heel pain.
- Wrist Fractures: Falls during play can result in fractures to the wrist, requiring prompt medical attention and treatment.
- Spine & Back Injuries: Playing pickleball can result in common back injuries, including lumbar strains as well as slipped or herniated discs.
Treatment Options for Pickleball Injuries
Our Lob Docs provide customized treatment plans that help patients recover quickly and safely. Common treatment options may include:
- Physical Therapy: On-site orthopaedic physical therapy is available at our Foot & Ankle Center on Davis Hwy. in Pensacola, our Midway location, and our office in Fort Walton Beach. Our skilled physical therapists work closely with our physicians to develop care plans focusing on strength, flexibility and mobility to speed recovery and prevent future injuries.
- Anti-inflammatory Medications and Injections: We use corticosteroid injections and innovative options such as Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy to reduce pain and inflammation for various conditions and injuries.
- Bracing and Support: Custom braces and orthotics can provide stability and alleviate strain on injured joints and muscles, including our XO Armor 3-D printed custom orthotics conveniently produced in our office.
- Minimally Invasive Procedures & Surgical Intervention: For more severe injuries, our skilled surgeons perform arthroscopic procedures to repair damaged tissues with minimal downtime, as well as more advanced surgical options to address severe injuries like ligament tears or fractures, ensuring a full recovery.
Injured Playing After Hours?
Our Hurt! app and desktop service offers 24/7 access to expert orthopaedic providers.
This innovative tool connects you with a Hurt! Care Navigator, in real-time, who will guide you through the next best steps to take — all at no cost to you or your insurance. Simply download the Hurt! app for free from the App Store or Google Play, or access the service from your desktop via our Urgent Care page. Once you’ve set up your account, you can securely send details and photos of your injury to the Hurt! team for an initial assessment. From there, we’ll help you schedule a same- or next-day appointment with one of our Lob Docs and, if needed, direct you to one of our trusted emergency department partners.
Serving the Pickleball Community Across Northwest Florida
At Lob Docs, we’re passionate about keeping pickleball players active and injury-free. Reach out to our team today to learn more about how we can support your health and performance on the court. Call 850-916-8436 or book your visit online today!
Book with Dr. Ryan Riggs
