Common Pickleball Injuries and How to Prevent Them

Pickleball is an exciting way to stay active, but it can pose health risks if proper precautions aren’t taken. Before picking up your paddle, make sure to keep your health in check. Prioritizing your well-being will help ensure that your pickleball game stays safe and enjoyable.

Common Pickleball Injuries

Pickleball is a fun and engaging sport, but like any physical activity it comes with the risk of injury. “These injuries generally fall into two categories: overuse injuries and traumatic injuries,” explains John Wickman, MD, MBA, an orthopedic surgeon in UT Health Austin’s Shoulder and Elbow Clinic within the Musculoskeletal Institute.

Tennis Elbow

Upper extremity injuries are the most common in pickleball, particularly affecting the shoulder, elbow, and wrist. Tennis elbow is an overuse injury that results from repetitive wrist and elbow motions. Symptoms include pain in the outer part of the elbow, often triggered by gripping the paddle or hitting the ball. “This condition typically develops when players engage in prolonged sessions or increase playing frequency without adequate conditioning,” notes J. Mica Guzman, Jr., MD, MBA, DABFM, CAQSM, a board-certified sports medicine specialist and the Primary Care Clinical Director for UT Health Austin’s Sports and Injury Clinic within the Musculoskeletal Institute.

Wrist Strains

Wrist strains are common due to the quick, explosive movements required on the court. “The repetitive swinging motions increase the risk of overuse, especially in players who haven’t conditioned properly,” explains Dr. Guzman. “For avid players, frequent sessions and tournaments may lead to overuse injuries from pushing too hard.”

Shoulder Overuse Injuries

Overuse injuries, such as shoulder impingement, rotator cuff tendonitis, and biceps tendonitis, are among the most common shoulder pains experienced in pickleball. These injuries affect the muscles or tendons connecting muscle to bone. Repetitive overhead motions, such as serving or smashing the ball, can lead to rotator cuff injuries and shoulder impingement. “These movements, along with rotational efforts involving the spine, can strain the shoulder and back,” adds Dr. Wickman.

Shoulder Traumatic Injuries

Traumatic injuries, which occur suddenly due to specific actions, such as a fall or forceful movement, include rotator cuff tears. “If you fall on your shoulder and experience bruising, you may have tear. Similarly, a tearing sensation from a hard shot indicates a traumatic injury. These injuries can affect the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues,” explains Dr. Wickman.

Ankle Sprains

Ankle sprains, which involve stretching or tearing ligaments, are common in pickleball due to rapid running and sudden stops. “Quick direction changes increase the risk of lower extremity injuries, especially affecting the hip, knee, ankle, and foot,” says Dr. Guzman. “Ankle sprains are the most frequent traumatic injuries and often occur when players change direction quickly or land awkwardly after a shot.”

Explore tips for staying healthy and safe so you can stay in the game.

<br>High-Risk Players in Pickleball

Certain players may be more prone to injuries due to various factors, such as physical conditioning, experience, and age. It’s important to recognize these high-risk groups so you can take extra precautions on the court.

Beginners

While pickleball may seem less physically demanding, it can be intense. “Beginners often lack the muscle conditioning for quick movement and direction changes. This can lead to improper techniques that strain muscles and tendons. Start with lower intensity and shorter sessions to reduce the risk of injury,” recommends Dr. Wickman.

Older Adults

Individuals aged 50 and older are at a higher risk of experiencing injuries due to changes in balance, muscle strength, and joint flexibility. “These factors increase the risk of falls, strains, and sprains, especially in the knees, shoulders, and wrists,” explains Dr. Guzman. “However, staying active is beneficial—just remember to take necessary precautions.”

Individuals with Health Conditions

Those with existing conditions or previous injuries, such as arthritis or ankle sprains, need to take extra care. “Players who return to the court without adequate rest increase their risk of overuse injuries, such as tennis elbow or Achilles tendinitis,” warns Dr. Guzman. “Listen to your body and adjust activity levels to prevent further injuries.”

Learn more about the health benefits of pickleball.

<br>Managing Pickleball Injuries

While pickleball can be a rewarding activity, minor aches and pains are common. “Most sprains and strains can be managed with the RICE method,” shares Dr. Guzman.

If an injury develops, follow these steps to ease discomfort:

• Rest: Avoid using the injured area to prevent further strain.
• Ice: Apply ice to reduce inflammation in tissues, such as ligaments and tendons.
• Compression: Wrap the area with an elastic bandage to provide support and reduce blood flow.
• Elevation: Keep the area elevated above heart level to reduce swelling.

“Monitor your injury closely,” notes Dr. Wickman. “If symptoms worsen or don’t improve within a few days, consult your healthcare provider.”

“Our care team builds strong connections with patients to tailor care to your needs that help you get healthy and stay in the game,” adds Dr. Guzman. “We cover nutrition, physical activity, and lifestyle adjustments to support your recovery and ensure safe play.”

For more information or to request an appointment with the Musculoskeletal Institute, call 1-833-UT-CARES (1-833-882-2737) or visit here.