Five Common Pickleball Injuries and When to Seek Care

Shoulder Strains and Rotator Cuff Irritation

One of the most frequent issues in pickleball comes from repetitive overhead movements. These motions place stress on the shoulder, particularly the rotator cuff, a group of muscles responsible for stabilizing the joint.

Over time, this can lead to irritation or strain, causing pain, weakness, or a limited range of motion. Players may notice discomfort when lifting their arm or reduced power in their shots. Without proper rest or conditioning, these issues can worsen and interfere with regular play.

Tennis Elbow 

Despite the name, tennis elbow is common among pickleball players. It’s typically caused by repetitive gripping and swinging of the paddle, which strains the tendons on the outside of the elbow.

Symptoms often include pain along the outer elbow and a noticeable decrease in grip strength. Even simple tasks like holding a coffee mug can become uncomfortable. Left untreated, this overuse injury can linger and affect daily life.

Ankle Sprains

Pickleball involves quick direction changes and sudden stops, both of which increase the risk of ankle sprains. Rolling or twisting the ankle can stretch or tear ligaments, leading to swelling, instability, and difficulty putting weight on the foot.

Ankle injuries can happen suddenly, but they’re often more likely if muscles are fatigued or if proper footwear isn’t used. Recovery can take time, especially if the ankle isn’t given enough rest to heal properly.

Knee Pain

The constant pivoting, squatting, and changes in movement during pickleball can put stress on the knees. Over time, this can lead to pain, stiffness, and swelling especially in players who play frequently without adequate recovery.

Knee discomfort may start as mild irritation but can progress into more persistent issues if ignored. Proper technique, strength training, and recovery are key to minimizing strain on this joint.

Wrist Injuries

Wrist injuries in pickleball often result from falls or repeated impact during gameplay. Whether bracing for a fall or absorbing the force of repeated hits, the wrist can become strained or injured.

Symptoms typically include pain, swelling, and reduced mobility.

Pickleball may be easy to pick up, but it can still be demanding. The repetitive motions and quick movements can lead to a variety of injuries if you’re not careful. However, many of these injuries are preventable. Proper warm-ups, strength training, good technique, and listening to your body can go a long way in keeping you on the court.

What to Do If You’re Injured

Even with good preparation, pickleball injuries can still happen. If you experience persistent pain, swelling, weakness, or difficulty moving a joint, it’s important not to push through it.

For acute injuries such as sprains, strains, or falls, orthopedic urgent care can provide fast, specialized evaluation and treatment without the need for an appointment. Early assessment can help prevent a minor injury from becoming a longer-term issue.

For ongoing pain or more complex injuries, seeing a sports medicine orthopedic specialist is key to getting an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan. At Raleigh Orthopaedic, our team is here to help patients recover safely and return to the activities they enjoy as quickly and confidently as possible.