Pickleball Pain: Common Injuries and Simple Ways to Avoid Them

Pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. It is fun, social, and a great way to stay active. However, the quick movements, sudden stops, and repeated swinging motions can sometimes lead to injuries.

At Garden State Pain & Orthopedics, doctors regularly treat patients who develop joint or muscle pain after playing pickleball. Knowing the most common injuries and how to prevent them can help you stay active and avoid unnecessary pain.

Common Pickleball Injuries

Knee Pain

Pickleball involves a lot of side-to-side movement and quick stops. These motions can place stress on the knees and may lead to pain, swelling, or stiffness.

Shoulder Pain

Swinging the paddle again and again can strain the shoulder muscles and tendons. Some players may notice soreness, weakness, or limited motion in the shoulder.

Elbow Pain

Repetitive gripping and swinging can irritate the tendons in the elbow. This type of pain is often called “tennis elbow,” but it is common in pickleball players as well.

Ankle Sprains

Quick changes in direction can sometimes cause a player to roll their ankle, especially on hard courts.

Lower Back Pain

Bending, reaching, and twisting during play can put stress on the lower back muscles and spine.

Why These Injuries Happen

Many pickleball injuries happen when players return to activity after being less active during the winter or after long breaks.

Some common reasons injuries occur include:

• Not warming up before playing
• Tight muscles or limited flexibility
• Playing too long without rest
• Wearing shoes that do not provide enough support
• Increasing activity too quickly

Simple Ways to Prevent Pickleball Injuries

There are a few easy steps that can help protect your joints while playing.

Warm up before playing
Light stretching and a few minutes of movement can prepare your muscles and joints.

Strengthen your muscles
Exercises that build strength in the legs, core, and shoulders can help support your joints.

Wear proper court shoes
Shoes with good grip and support can help prevent slips and ankle injuries.

Increase activity slowly
If you are new to pickleball, start with shorter games and slowly increase your playing time.

Pay attention to pain
Ongoing pain or swelling may be a sign that something needs medical attention.

When to See a Specialist

Some soreness after activity is normal. However, pain that continues for several days, swelling in a joint, or difficulty moving normally may be signs of a more serious issue.

The specialists at Garden State Pain & Orthopedics evaluate and treat many types of sports-related injuries, including knee, shoulder, elbow, ankle, and back pain. Early evaluation can help prevent small injuries from becoming larger problems.

Schedule an Appointment

If you are experiencing joint pain after pickleball or another activity, the team at Garden State Pain & Orthopedics is here to help.

Garden State Pain & Orthopedics provides comprehensive care for joint, muscle, and orthopedic conditions at our offices in Clifton, Edison, West Orange, Hazlet, and Jersey City.

Visit Garden State Pain & Orthopedics online or contact one of our offices to schedule an appointment and learn how our team can help you get back to the activities you enjoy.