Most Common Pickleball Injuries And Prevention

Last updated on: October 7, 2023

Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in America with over 4.8 million players. This paddle sport combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. Many tennis and badminton players are making the switch to pickleball as they get older since it’s less taxing on the body. However, that doesn’t mean pickleball is completely free of injuries.

Don’t let an injury take you off the court! Follow these tips to play safe and stay in the game.

Most Common Pickleball Injuries

Here are some of the most prevalent injuries in pickleball:

1. Shoulder Injuries

The shoulder joint takes a lot of repetitive stress during pickleball. Serving, overhead smashing, and reactive moves to balls hit close to the body can lead to overuse injuries or tears in the rotator cuff muscles or labrum over time.

2. Elbow Injuries

Elbow issues like tennis elbow are common in racquet sports. The repetitive motion of hitting pickleball groundstrokes can cause tendonitis in the elbow joint.

3. Knee Injuries

The quick side-to-side movements and lunging volleys in pickleball can put strain on the knee joints, meniscus, and ligaments. This is especially true on hard indoor courts. ACL and meniscus tears are not uncommon.

4. Ankle Sprains

Shuffling around the court and abrupt changes in direction make ankle rolls and sprains a frequent occurrence in pickleball.

5. Achilles Tendonitis

The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. Repeated jumping for smashes and sprints to get to drop shots can cause inflammation of the Achilles tendon.

6. Lower Back Pain

The asymmetric rotations required during pickleball strokes along with improper bending and lifting techniques can irritate the lower spine and cause pain.

7. Groin Pulls

The groin muscles inner thigh get over-stretched from explosive starts and sudden changes in direction. This can lead to pulls and strains.

8. Tennis Elbow

Repetitive pickleball motions like forehand strokes can put a lot of strain on the elbow’s tendons leading to tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis).

9. Blisters

Improperly fitted pickleball shoes or grips that don’t absorb sweat well can create friction leading to painful blisters on the feet or hands.

key tips for preventing common pickleball injuries:

Injury	Prevention Tips
Muscle strains	Warm up properly, stretch, build strength, use proper form
Tendonitis	Allow rest between play, use braces/sleeves, tape joints
Ankle sprains	Tape ankles, wear ankle braces, improve balance
Tennis elbow	Wear elbow brace, improve swing form, take breaks
Heat exhaustion	Stay hydrated, take shade breaks, wear breathable clothes
Shin splints	Wear compression sleeves, stretch calves, consider orthotics
Rotator cuff injuries	Improve serving form, strengthen shoulders and back

Pickleball Injury Prevention Tips

Now let’s go over some tips to help you avoid these common pickleball maladies:

1. Warm Up & Stretch

Spend at least 10 minutes warming up before play. Do some light cardio to elevate your heart rate and break a sweat. Then stretch all your major muscle groups including shoulders, arms, back, legs, and ankles. This increases blood flow and flexibility.

2. Wear Proper Footwear

Cushioned cross training or court shoes with good lateral support are ideal for pickleball. Make sure to break them in before play. Replace shoes every 6 months or so.

3. Use Appropriate Pickleball Gear

Use lightweight paddles to avoid muscle fatigue. Cushioned grips absorb sweat and reduce blisters. Vibration dampeners reduce shocks to the arm. Choose knee pads designed for racquet sports.

4. Maintain Proper Form

Keep your knees slightly bent and shoulder aligned with your ear during shots. Bend at the knees and keep your back straight when picking up balls. Avoid overextending on returns. Short compact backswings generate plenty of power.

5. Take Frequent Breaks

Take a few minutes between games to rest, rehydrate, and switch out gear if needed. Trying to play several games in a row while fatigued leads to poor form and more injuries.

6. Know Your Limits

Don’t overdo it in terms of playing duration or intensity. Adjust your play based on your age, fitness level, and any pre-existing injuries. Focus more on control and strategy vs power and speed.

7. Hydrate Well

Dehydration leads to muscle cramps and fatigue which can contribute to injuries. Drink 8 oz of water every change-over and stay well hydrated when not playing.

8. Vary Your Movements

Don’t repeat the same motions over and over. Mix up your shots to use all your joints and muscles evenly. Don’t just focus on your forehand or backhand exclusively for example.

9. Listen to Your Body

Pay attention to any developing pain or soreness during play. Take a break or stop if it persists or worsens. Early intervention can prevent more major injuries down the road.

10. Cool Down

Take 5-10 minutes to cool down after play. Walk laps and do some light stretching to bring your heart rate down and prevent next day soreness.

Proper Warm Up Routine

Let’s outline a complete dynamic warm up routine to get your body ready for pickleball:

5 minute light jog or stationary bike to slowly elevate heart rate

Arm circles front & back – 30 seconds
Wrist circles 30 seconds & wrist flexions 30 seconds
Overhead shoulder stretches – 30 seconds

Quad stretches – 30 seconds each leg
Calf stretches – 30 seconds each leg
Side lunges – 10 reps each side

High knees – 30 seconds
Butt kickers – 30 seconds
Shuffle slides side to side – 30 seconds

Backpedal shuffle – 30 seconds
Serve practice – 10 serves
Groundstroke rally with partner – 2 minutes

Cool Down Stretches

Here are some good stretches to include in your cool down:

Calf stretches – 30 seconds each leg
Quad stretches – 30 seconds each leg

Hamstring stretches – 30 seconds each leg
Hip flexor stretches – 30 seconds each leg
Shoulder stretches – 30 seconds across front of chest

Neck stretches – 30 seconds side to side
Forearm stretches – 30 seconds
Wrist flexions – 30 seconds

Spend at least 5-10 minutes on your cool down stretch. This will help reduce next day muscle soreness.

Pickleball Gear to Reduce Injuries

Here is some equipment that can help reduce your injury risk:

Padding: Knee pads, elbow pads, and ankle braces provide compressed protection against impact injuries.

Footwear: Court shoes designed for lateral support, ventilation, and cushioning.
Vibration dampeners: Absorb harmful vibrations in the paddle to reduce arm strain.
Lightweight paddle: Reduces fatigue in the hands, arms, and shoulders.

Grip tape: Provides extra grip and sweat absorption. Re-apply occasionally.
Comfortable clothing: Breathable and flexible fabrics allow free range of motion.
Compression sleeves: Keep muscles warm and improve circulation to prevent strains.

Cross trainers: Strengthen muscles and prevent overuse injuries.
Balanced paddle: Midsize grip redistributes weight evenly and reduces wrist torque.

Pickleball Technique Modifications

Here are some subtle technique tweaks to prevent injuries:

Use a shorter backswing to reduce shoulder strain.
Split step as opponent hits to pre-load knees and ankles.
Maintain slight knee bend during play to absorb impact.

Keep the paddle horizontal on groundstrokes to prevent wrist hyperextension.
Turn shoulder simultaneously with hips to avoid lower back torque.
Take small adjustment steps vs. abrupt stops and starts.

Rotate weight over both feet rather than planting on one leg.
Avoid overextending on returns and drop shots.
Make contact with lead foot neutral, not open, to reduce knee strain.

Relax grip pressure to prevent hand and elbow overuse.
Exhale on hardest strokes to keep core braced.

Common Pickleball Injuries & Treatment

Here are some frequent pickleball injuries and how they are treated:

Ankle Sprain

Treatment: RICE protocol – Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation
Recovery Time: 2 weeks to 6 months depending on severity

Rotator Cuff Tear

Treatment: Physical therapy, anti-inflammatories, possible surgery
Recovery Time: 4 weeks for minor tears up to 6 months for full thickness tears

Tennis Elbow

Treatment: Ice massage, counterforce brace, eccentric exercises
Recovery Time: 2 to 3 months with proper rehab

ACL Tear

Treatment: Surgery, rigorous physical therapy
Recovery Time: 9 months minimum

Shoulder Tendonitis

Treatment: Rest, ice, NSAIDs, physical therapy
Recovery Time: 1 to 2 months

Lower Back Strain

Treatment: Chiropractic adjustment, core strengthening
Recovery Time: 2 to 4 weeks

Achilles Tendonitis

Treatment: Ice massage, heel lifts, eccentric calf exercises
Recovery Time: 2 to 6 weeks

See a doctor if pain persists for proper diagnosis and treatment.

How Long Does it Take to Recover from Common Pickleball Injuries?

Ankle Sprain:

Grade 1 (mild stretch/tear): 1-2 weeks

Grade 2 (partial tear): 4-8 weeks
Grade 3 (complete rupture): 12+ weeks

Shoulder Tendonitis: 4-6 weeks

Rotator Cuff Tear:

Small/Medium: 2-3 months
Large/Complete tear: 4-6 months

Lower Back Strain:

Mild: 1-2 weeks
Moderate: 3-5 weeks

Severe: 6-8 weeks

Elbow Tendonitis:

Mild: 2-4 weeks

Moderate: 2-3 months
Severe: 4+ months

Knee Sprain (PCL/MCL):

Grade 1: 1-3 weeks
Grade 2: 3-8 weeks
Grade 3: 2-4 months

Re-injury risk remains high until complete muscle repair so take time to fully heal.

Pickleball Return to Play Guidelines After Injury

Follow these timeline guidelines for returning to play safely:

Ankle sprain

Grade 1: Two weeks of rest & rehab before returning
Grade 2: One month rest, then gradual return to play
Grade 3: Two months rest, then gradual return

Shoulder tendonitis

Take two weeks off to rest and reduce inflammation
Begin strengthening exercises and progress gradually
Return to play after meeting pain-free range of motion and strength metrics

Knee sprain

Grade 1: Two weeks rest then can resume play if swelling is down
Grade 2: One month rest then gradual return
Grade 3: Two months then gradual return, may require brace

Back strain

Take two weeks off from any pickleball activity
If pain free, resume play starting with 25%, then 50%, then 100%
Stop immediately if pain recurs and consult doctor

Re-injury is common if you return too soon before fully healing. Consult your physician before returning to play. Start slowly and stop immediately if pain recurs. Incremental progress is key.

Pickleball Injury Prevention Exercises

Here are some exercises to perform 1-2 times per week to help prevent pickleball injuries:

Rotator cuff

External rotation
Internal rotation
Front raises
Bent-over rear delt fly

Elbow

Eccentric bicep curls
Eccentric tricep extensions
Wrist curls/extensions
Forearm pronation/supination

Core

Planks
Side planks
Glute bridges
Palloff press

Lower body

Squats
Lunges
Lateral lunges
Calf raises
Monster walks

Focus on high repetition (15-20 reps) with low weight. This builds muscular endurance to withstand repetitive pickleball motions.

Proper Recovery Between Pickleball Sessions

Ice or use compression sleeve on any sore joints after play
Gentle, light cardio cooldown followed by stretching
Hydrate and refuel within 30 minutes
Alternate hard and easy days – don’t play at max effort daily
Sleep at least 7 hours to allow muscle repair
Listen to your body and take an extra rest day if needed
Stay active on off days with walks, yoga, swimming to move blood
Get massage or use foam roller on tight/sore muscles
Take periodic 1-2 weeks off from pickleball to allow extended recovery

Proper rest and recovery helps prevent overuse injuries and burnout. Don’t overdo it!

table summarizing the most common pickleball injuries, treatment, and recovery time:

Injury	Treatment	Recovery Time
Ankle Sprain	RICE, physical therapy	2 weeks – 6 months
Rotator Cuff Tear	PT, anti-inflammatories, possible surgery	4 weeks – 6 months
Tennis Elbow	Ice massage, brace, eccentric exercises	2-3 months
ACL Tear	Surgery, physical therapy	9+ months
Shoulder Tendonitis	Rest, ice, NSAIDs, PT	1-2 months
Lower Back Strain	Chiropractic, core strengthening	2-4 weeks
Achilles Tendonitis	Ice massage, heel lifts, eccentric calf exercises	2-6 weeks

Frequently Asked Questions About Pickleball Injuries

Here are some common FAQs about pickleball injuries and prevention:

What are the most common injuries in pickleball?

Some of the most frequent pickleball injuries are muscle strains, tendonitis (especially patellar and Achilles), ankle sprains, tennis elbow, and heat exhaustion.

How can I avoid injuries when playing pickleball?

Warm up thoroughly, use proper technique, wear protective gear, build strength, rest adequately between play, stay hydrated, and don’t overdo activity levels. Know your limitations.

What should I do if I get injured playing pickleball?

Stop play immediately if injured. Follow RICE therapy: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. See a doctor if pain or symptoms persist beyond a few days. Don’t return to play until fully recovered.

What are the best shoes to prevent pickleball injuries?

The best pickleball shoes have lateral support and cushioning with good traction. They are lower profile than tennis shoes. Leading brands include ASICS, New Balance, Adidas, Nike, and others. Replace shoes every 6 months.

Should I play pickleball if I have bad knees?

Those with knee issues can play, but should take precautions like taping knees, wearing knee braces, and using proper form. Don’t overdo activity level and stop if knees start hurting. Low-impact exercises also help strengthen knee joints and muscles.

What can I do to avoid tennis elbow from pickleball?

Wear an elbow brace during play for compression. Take frequent breaks. Use proper swinging form without gripping the paddle tightly. Strengthen forearm muscles with resistance bands. Use ibuprofen gel after sessions.

Why do my calf muscles hurt after playing pickleball?

Sudden stops and lunges during play can overwork calf muscles. Proper warm-ups, stretching, hydration, and post-play massage help reduce calf tightness and prevent strains. Calf compression sleeves also help.

How can I avoid elbow injuries in pickleball?

Use proper technique – avoid straight arm shots. Limit play duration. Wear an elbow brace. Use an anti-vibration paddle. Ice after play. Take anti-inflammatories if persistent pain.

What exercises can I do to prevent pickleball knee injuries?

Squats, lunges, monster walks, lateral shuffles, and step downs are great for building strong stable knees. Focus on proper form. Wear knee pads during play for cushioning.

Should I play pickleball on back to back days?

It’s best to avoid playing hard two days in a row. Have an easy practice day or cross train instead to allow recovery between intense pickleball sessions.

How long should I wait to play pickleball again after a minor injury?

For minor strains, give it at least 1-2 weeks rest. Start back slowly – only 30 mins per session and stop if pain recurs. Build back up gradually.

How do I treat minor pickleball injuries at home?

ICE – apply ice packs for 15 mins several times per day to reduce swelling/inflammation. COMPRESSION – use elastic sleeves. ELEVATION – prop up injured joint above heart level. REST – take time off pickleball.

Should I play through minor pickleball pains?

No – stop play if feeling any acute or worsening pain. Playing through injuries leads to more serious damage. Address the issue early before it worsens.

How can I reduce my risk of recurring pickleball injuries?

Rest enough between sessions, crosstrain to strengthen muscles evenly, use proper technique, wear protective gear, warm up thoroughly, and listen to warning signs from your body.

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