Pickleball is Booming—So Are Orthopedic Injuries: What Players Need to Know

Pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing sports in America, attracting players of all ages to local courts, community centers, and recreational leagues. Combining elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, pickleball is easy to learn, highly social, and a great way to stay active. However, as participation continues to surge, orthopedic specialists are seeing a significant increase in pickleball-related injuries. Whether you're a seasoned competitor or just picking up a paddle for the first time, understanding the most common pickleball injuries and how to prevent them can help keep you on the court and out of the doctor's office.

Why Are Pickleball Injuries Increasing?

The answer is simple: more people are playing than ever before. While pickleball is often viewed as a low-impact sport, it still requires quick changes in direction, sudden stops, lunging, pivoting, overhead movements, and repetitive arm motions. These movements can place significant stress on muscles, tendons, joints, and bones—especially for adults returning to sports after years of inactivity. Many players underestimate the physical demands of the game, stepping onto the court without proper conditioning, stretching, or warm-up exercises.

The Most Common Pickleball Injuries

1. Achilles Tendon Ruptures
   One of the most serious pickleball injuries orthopedic surgeons encounter is an Achilles tendon rupture. This injury often occurs when a player suddenly accelerates toward the ball or changes direction quickly. Many patients describe feeling as though someone kicked them in the back of the ankle, followed by a popping sensation and difficulty walking.
   
   Symptoms may include:
   • Sudden pain in the back of the ankle
   • A popping or snapping sensation
   • Difficulty pushing off the foot
   • Swelling around the heel
   
   An Achilles rupture often requires surgical evaluation and can sideline players for several months.
   
   
2. Rotator Cuff Injuries and Shoulder Pain
   Repeated overhead serves, smashes, and volleys can place stress on the shoulder, particularly the rotator cuff muscles and tendons.
   
   Common symptoms include:
   • Shoulder pain during play
   • Weakness when lifting the arm
   • Pain at night
   • Difficulty reaching overhead
   
   Many players assume shoulder pain is simply part of aging, but persistent discomfort may indicate a rotator cuff tear or tendon inflammation that should be evaluated by an orthopedic specialist.
   
   
3. Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
   Despite its name, tennis elbow is not limited to tennis players. Pickleball players frequently develop pain on the outside of the elbow due to repetitive gripping and swinging motions.
   
   Symptoms often include:
   • Pain when gripping the paddle
   • Weakness in the forearm
   • Discomfort when lifting objects
   • Pain that worsens after playing
   
   Early treatment can help prevent symptoms from becoming chronic.
   
   
4. Knee Injuries
   Quick pivots and sudden directional changes can put stress on the knee joint.
   
   Common pickleball-related knee injuries include:
   
   • Meniscus tears
   • Knee sprains
   • Arthritis flare-ups
   • Patellar tendon irritation
   
   Players with underlying knee arthritis may notice increased pain and swelling after extended periods of play.
   
   
5. Wrist Fractures and Fall-Related Injuries
   Falls are another common source of injury, particularly among older adults. Instinctively reaching out to break a fall can result in wrist fractures, hand injuries, or shoulder injuries. For adults over age 50, a wrist fracture following a relatively minor fall may also be a warning sign of underlying osteoporosis or decreased bone density.

How to Prevent Pickleball Injuries

The good news is that many pickleball injuries are preventable.

Before stepping onto the court, consider these injury prevention tips:

Warm Up Before You Play

A proper warm-up increases blood flow to muscles and improves flexibility. Spend at least 5 to 10 minutes performing light cardio and dynamic stretching before your first game.

Build Strength and Flexibility

Strong muscles help support joints and reduce injury risk. Focus on strengthening the:

• Core
• Hips
• Shoulders
• Calves
• Legs

Regular stretching can also improve mobility and decrease muscle strain.

Wear Proper Footwear

Court-specific athletic shoes provide better traction and stability than running shoes. Proper footwear can help reduce the risk of ankle injuries and falls.

Increase Activity Gradually

Many injuries occur when players do too much too soon. If you're new to pickleball, gradually increase the intensity and duration of play rather than jumping into multiple matches in a single day.

Listen to Your Body

Pain is not something you should "play through." Persistent pain, swelling, weakness, or instability may indicate an injury that requires medical attention.

Don't Let an Injury Keep You on the Sidelines

If pain persists for more than a few days, interferes with daily activities, or prevents you from playing the sports you enjoy, it may be time to seek evaluation. Early diagnosis and treatment can often prevent a minor injury from becoming a long-term problem. At Waterbury Hospital Orthopedics, our team specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of sports injuries, shoulder injuries, knee injuries, fractures, tendon injuries, and arthritis-related conditions. Whether you're dealing with a nagging ache or a sudden injury on the pickleball court, the orthopedic specialists at Waterbury Hospital are ready to help you return to the activities you love.