Injuries & Conditions

Overview

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. Overhead shots and repetitive arm movements in pickleball can cause rotator cuff tendinitis, partial tears, or full tears.

Symptoms

Pain with overhead activity, weakness when lifting the arm, pain at night when lying on the affected shoulder.

Treatment

Most rotator cuff problems respond to rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medication, and physical therapy. Surgery is reserved for full tears that do not respond to conservative treatment.

Overview

Despite the name, tennis elbow is extremely common in pickleball players. It is caused by overuse of the forearm muscles that attach to the outside of the elbow, often from repetitive backhand strokes.

Symptoms

Pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow, weakness in the wrist and hand, pain when gripping or lifting.

Treatment

Rest, ice, a counterforce brace, and stretching exercises are the mainstays of treatment. Corticosteroid injections may help in persistent cases. Surgery is rarely needed.

Overview

Ankle sprains are one of the most common acute injuries in pickleball, typically occurring when a player rolls the ankle during a quick lateral movement or misstep.

Symptoms

Pain, swelling, and bruising around the ankle. Difficulty bearing weight in more severe sprains.

Treatment

RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) for the first 48–72 hours. Most sprains heal with conservative care. Severe sprains or suspected fractures require x-ray evaluation.

Overview

The twisting, bending, and quick directional changes of pickleball can strain the muscles and ligaments of the low back. Disc problems are also common in the mature athlete.

Symptoms

Aching or sharp pain in the lower back, stiffness, pain that radiates into the buttock or leg (sciatica).

Treatment

Rest, ice or heat, gentle stretching, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatories. Persistent or radiating pain warrants evaluation by a spine specialist.

Overview

The knee is one of the most commonly injured joints in pickleball. Meniscus tears, patellar tendinitis (jumper's knee), and osteoarthritis flare-ups are all frequently seen.

Symptoms

Pain, swelling, stiffness, clicking or locking of the knee, difficulty fully straightening or bending the knee.

Treatment

Depends on the specific diagnosis. Many knee conditions respond to conservative care. Meniscus tears and significant cartilage damage may require arthroscopic surgery.

Overview

ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tears can occur from sudden pivoting, cutting, or landing awkwardly. While less common than other injuries, they are among the most serious.

Symptoms

A 'pop' at the time of injury, immediate swelling, instability or giving way of the knee.

Treatment

Depends on the patient's age, activity level, and degree of instability. Many mature athletes do well with physical therapy and activity modification. Surgical reconstruction is an option for those who want to return to high-demand activities.