An Overview of Common Pickleball Injuries

​Research from the Association of Pickleball Players (APP) suggests that nearly 50 million American adults, or roughly 20 percent of the country’s adult population, have played pickleball at least once during the previous 12 months. Pickleball has ranked as the fastest-growing sport in the United States for four consecutive years, and research suggests that the average pickleball player is getting younger (the sport has gained particular attention from the 25 to 34 age group). Individuals considering the sport should familiarize themselves with a few of pickleball's most common injuries and how to mitigate the risk of an on-court injury.

While pickleball is often described as a highly accessible sport, individuals should discuss their overall level of health with a physician before playing a match. This is particularly true for people living with medical conditions that impact heart or lung health and Americans who have not kept up with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for minimum physical activity.

After receiving the all-clear from a medical professional, pickleball novices should read about proper technique. Even players who are simply looking for a casual recreational activity should consider taking a few lessons and discussing proper technique with a coach or experienced colleague, as improper form can increase injury risk.

Players should be aware that many pickleball injuries are categorized as strains or overuse injuries. This indicates two important trends. First, pickleball players are attempting too much on the court too quickly, not allowing their bodies to acclimate to an increased level of physical activity. In addition, players are not listening to their bodies and taking rest days as needed. Rest days are critical for recovering from exercise, as they allow the body to heal and get stronger.

Doctors have noted that older players are especially prone to overuse injuries. If a person has not exercised for a considerable amount of time, they should develop a gradual workout routine, as opposed to playing multiple hours per day, several days per week, without ramping up to that level of activity.

Overuse injuries often manifest as shoulder pain and knee pain that worsens over time. They do not arise from a single moment or movement that causes intense pain, but rather represent a gradual buildup of stress on the body. While certain treatments can expedite the recovery time associated with strains and overuse injuries, the most impactful strategy involves taking time away from the court and allowing the body to heal itself.

Unsurprisingly, "pickleball elbow" is one of the sport's most common overuse injuries. Like tennis elbow, pickleball elbow is a condition defined by excessive inflammation on one or more of the large tendons surrounding the elbow. Abstaining from the activity that caused the injury is the best way to deal with a condition such as pickleball elbow, though patients may require a brace or physical therapy to fully recover.

Pickleball players can also suffer acute injuries, such as sprained ankles and pulled hamstrings. Players can somewhat mitigate their risk for acute injuries by wearing properly fitted athletic shoes and properly warming up before a match. The severity of acute injuries can vary widely. Ankle sprains, for example, may resolve on their own after a few days, while other injuries can cause limited mobility for weeks or months at a time.

Peopleshould listen to their bodies to minimize the risk of a serious pickleball injury. It can also be helpful to stay active outside of pickleball by engaging in resistance training, aerobic exercise, and other physical activities.

Matthew Ryan

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