Blog Post

Pickleball has been recognized as the fastest-growing sport in the United States for multiple consecutive years — but that means pickleball injuries are growing more common, too, with some studies showing a nearly 90% increase since 2020. 

At Northeast Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, our board-certified, fellowship-trained specialists provide expert sports medicine in Schertz, New Braunfels, Live Oak, and San Antonio, Texas. Here, we’re covering four of the most common pickleball injuries our experts see as well as how to prevent them.

Why pickleball injuries are becoming more common

On the surface, pickleball may look less demanding than some sports, but it still involves significant athletic movement. Quick pivots, side-to-side movements, lunging, and repetitive arm motions — all performed in sudden bursts of activity — can increase your risk of injury.

Pickleball injuries are growing more common not only because of the increased popularity of the sport, but also because many people jump in without proper conditioning, warmups, or recovery time. 

Many injuries occur in adults who are returning to exercise after years away from sports. Others happen when players try to react quickly on the court without proper balance, flexibility, or muscle strength.

Learning about these four common pickleball injuries can help you enjoy the sport while avoiding problems that could put you on the sidelines. 

1. Tennis elbow

Tennis elbow is one of the most common pickleball injuries due to the repetitive swinging motions involved. Many players first notice soreness along the outside of the elbow, weakness when gripping objects, or pain during swings after developing tennis elbow.

2. Shoulder tendonitis

Serving, reaching, and overhead shots can aggravate the tendons in the shoulder. This is especially true in players who play pickleball frequently or suddenly increase their activity level. 

Shoulder tendonitis may cause aching, stiffness, weakness, or pain when lifting your arm overhead. A minor tendon injury can often heal naturally, but if stressed continually, that injury could worsen until it requires major medical intervention, even surgery. 

3. Ankle sprains

Quick pivots and sudden direction changes can easily lead to rolled ankles on the pickleball court. Ankle sprains, which involve overstretching or tearing of the ligaments that support the ankle joint, may cause swelling, bruising, instability, and difficulty walking.

4. Knee sprains and strains

Pickleball can put repeated stress on the knees through lunging, squatting, and side-to-side movement. Players with osteoarthritis or previous injuries may be particularly vulnerable to knee pain, while others may develop new knee pain due to the increased use of the muscles that support the knee joint.

Preventing pickleball injuries

Although you can’t avoid every injury, you can take some smart steps that will go a long way toward protecting you on the court.

• Warm up and stretch before playing
• Increase playing time gradually, never suddenly
• Wear properly-fitted, supportive court shoes with good traction
• Strength train regularly
• Practice proper swing mechanics and footwork
• Give yourself plenty of recovery time between games
• Don’t push through persistent pain or swelling

If you experience ongoing discomfort, instability, swelling, or reduced range of motion, it’s time to see our experts. Early evaluation and treatment can help prevent more serious damage and speed recovery. 

Depending on the injury, the treatment options we recommend may include physical therapy, injections, or surgery.

If pain or an injury is interfering with your mobility or quality of life, the team at Northeast Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine is here to help. Book your appointment online or by phone at one of our convenient south-central Texas locations.