Knee aching after a jog? Ankle stiff after a game of pickleball? Or maybe your golf swing just doesn’t feel right anymore? If your favorite activity is starting to cause pain, the question isn’t always what you’re doing, but rather how your body is handling it.
At Pinnacle Physical Therapy, we help active people across central Arkansas get back to doing what they love, not by stopping the activity, but by addressing the underlying cause of injury. Whether you’re lacing up your running shoes or hitting the back nine, lower body pain doesn’t have to be part of your routine.
What’s Hurting — and Where? Common Lower Body Injuries by Sport
Every sport and hobby places unique demands on your feet, knees, and hips. Here are some of the most common injuries we see, along with the activities they usually result from:
- Ankle Sprains – sudden stops and lateral movement in pickleball or tennis
- Patellar Tendinitis – repetitive jumping and squatting from jogging or trail hiking
- Plantar Fasciitis – prolonged standing or heel striking from running or walking sports
- Hip Impingement or Bursitis – limited range of motion from golf or tight glutes
- Knee Rotation Strain – twisting on follow-through during a golf swing
The Sport Might Trigger It—But It’s Not Always the Cause
Here’s a secret: pain is often the final symptom of something that started weeks—or even years—ago. You may think that playing pickleball is the cause of your sore foot, but what if it’s actually a weak core or tight calf pulling your gait out of alignment?
At Pinnacle, we take the time to ask:
“Is it your sport—or is it your biomechanics?”
In many cases, our therapists uncover:
- Muscle imbalances from prior injuries
- Poor ankle or hip mobility
- Core weakness or postural habits
- Old sprains or scar tissue that never fully healed
How Pinnacle Treats the Whole Picture, Not Just the Pain
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions—because your injury isn’t like everyone else’s.
Our clinicians assess your body mechanics, strength, balance, and movement patterns to identify the underlying cause of your discomfort. From there, we build a treatment plan tailored to you and your sport.
We use a range of advanced therapies, including:
- Massage Therapy for soft tissue repair and tension relief
- Manual Therapy to restore mobility and break down scar tissue
- Dry Needling to release deep muscle tension and trigger points
- Class 4 Laser Therapy to reduce inflammation and speed healing
- Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) to rebuild strength without stressing joints
- Sports Therapy to improve athletic function and prevent re-injury
Golf Spotlight: Don’t Let a Bad Swing Cost You More Than a Stroke
Golf might not be as explosive as tennis or as intense as running, but it’s surprisingly hard on the lower body—especially your knees, hips, and ankles. The twisting motion of your swing, the stabilizing demands of uneven terrain, and long hours on your feet can all contribute to nagging pain or stiffness.
Whether it’s your follow-through causing hip tightness or your lead leg straining your knee, we can help restore proper mechanics and improve your golf performance at the same time.
Explore our Golf Health Program or learn how we treat golf pain and support your game.
Don’t Stop the Sport—Fix the Movement
Pain doesn’t mean you need to quit your favorite activity. It means your body is asking for support.
Whether you’re experiencing pain from pickleball, running, tennis, hiking, or golf, Pinnacle Physical Therapy is here to help. Our therapists will assess your body and help you move better, not just pain-free.
Stop Guessing and Start Healing
Don’t let your injury sideline you for another week. Come in for a $49 Discovery Visit and get a professional evaluation of your pain and movement patterns. Whether your issue comes from the court, the course, or the trail, we’ll create a personalized plan to help you heal better—and stay strong.
Call us at (501) 529-2010 or book online today. Let’s get you moving with confidence again!