As the sport of pickleball continues to grow in popularity, doctors are reminding people to take proper precautions before playing to avoid injury.

Dr. Daniel Southern, of Interventional Orthopedics CT, says his office has seen an increase in older patients being treated for pickleball related injuries, like sprains, strains and exacerbation of underlying arthritic conditions.

"I've had the game described to me as kind of jittery," Dr. Southern says. "People are stopping and starting, and that type of activity on your feet, if you're not used to it, can exacerbate underlying arthritis in your knees and then of course the paddle in your hand, back and forth can exacerbate underlying shoulder conditions."

Dr. Southern is urging pickleball players to take up regular walking programs and perform balancing activities like yoga to help defend against injuries on the pickleball court.