09/19/2026
🏓 PICKLEBALL INJURY? DON’T JUST PLAY THROUGH IT!
Pickleball involves quick starts, sudden stops, lunges, pivots, and repetitive swings—which can be a recipe for injury when your body isn't prepared for the demands.
Most Common Pickleball Injuries
1. Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) – Pain on the outside of the elbow, often related to repetitive gripping and backhand strokes.
2. Rotator cuff/shoulder injuries – Shoulder pain from repetitive swinging, overhead movements, or increased playing volume.
3. Wrist injuries – Strains or irritation from repetitive gripping, hitting, or falls onto an outstretched hand.
4. Ankle sprains – Often caused by sudden changes in direction, awkward landings, or stepping laterally.
5. Knee injuries – Including strains, aggravation of osteoarthritis, and meniscal or ligament injuries following twisting, pivoting, or sudden stops.
6. Hamstring strains – Can occur during sudden acceleration, reaching, or chasing a ball.
7. Calf strains/Achilles injuries – Quick starts and stops can place significant load on the calf and Achilles tendon.
Injuries can happen from:
➡️ A sudden change of direction
➡️ An awkward lunge or reach
➡️ A slip or fall
➡️ Repetitive swinging
➡️ Increasing your playing time too quickly
So what should you do if something hurts?
🛑 Stop or modify the activity
🧊 Avoid activities that significantly aggravate your symptoms
👀 Monitor your pain, swelling, movement, and ability to bear weight
🏥 Seek medical assessment if symptoms are severe or you can't use the injured area normally
🏓 Consider physiotherapy if your pain isn't settling or is affecting your ability to play