Shoulder4 min
Rotator Cuff Injuries
Few things spoil a rally faster than a shoulder that suddenly refuses to cooperate — most rotator cuff problems respond well to sensible treatment.
Read article →Orthopedics & Pickleball
Keep Playing. Stay Strong.
Practical orthopedic guidance for pickleball players — from common injuries to recovery, prevention, and getting back on the court.
Upper Extremity Injuries
Hands, wrists, elbows, and forearms take a surprising amount of stress in pickleball. Here are the conditions we see most often.
Wrist & Hand2–3 min
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
That tingling in your hand at 3 a.m. isn't just bad dreams — it might be your median nerve asking for a break.
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Hand2–3 min
Trigger Finger
When your finger locks up mid-swing, it's not a mechanical malfunction — it's a very fixable tendon problem.
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Thumb2–3 min
Thumb Basal Joint Arthritis
The joint at the base of your thumb does a lot of work. When it starts complaining, pickleball gets complicated.
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Wrist2–3 min
De Quervain's Tenosynovitis
A mouthful to pronounce, a pain in the wrist to experience. Here's what's happening and how to fix it.
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Wrist2–3 min
Wrist Arthritis
Wrist arthritis doesn't have to end your game. Understanding it is the first step to managing it.
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Elbow2–3 min
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Despite the name, pickleball players get it too. The good news: most cases resolve without surgery.
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Elbow2–3 min
Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
Pain on the inside of your elbow? You don't have to be a golfer — or stop playing pickleball — to deal with this.
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Overuse2–3 min
Hand, Wrist & Forearm Overuse Injuries
When you play every day, small stresses add up. Here's how to recognize overuse before it becomes a real problem.
Read article →Wrist & Hand2–3 min read
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
"When Your Fingers Go to Sleep Before You Do!"
Shoulder Injuries
Overhead shots put real demands on the shoulder's hard-working rotator cuff.
Lower Extremity Injuries
Feet, ankles, and knees absorb every lunge, pivot, and sudden stop on the court.
Foot
Plantar Fasciitis
That stabbing heel pain first thing in the morning has a name — and a solution.
Ankle
Achilles Tendinitis & Rupture
The Achilles is the strongest tendon in your body. It still needs your respect.
Ankle
Ankle Sprains
A quick roll of the ankle can sideline you for weeks. Here's how to treat it right.
Knee
Knee Osteoarthritis
Millions of pickleball players have knee arthritis. Many of them are still on the court.
Knee
Meniscus Tears
Not every meniscus tear needs surgery. Here's how to tell the difference.
Knee
Patellar Tendinitis
Jumper's knee in a sport with no jumping? Pickleball's quick stops make it more common than you'd think.
Injury Prevention
The best injury is the one you never get. A few smart habits go a long way.
1
Warm Up Before You Play
Five to ten minutes of light movement — walking, gentle stretching, arm circles — prepares your muscles and tendons for the demands of play. Cold muscles are injury-prone muscles.
2
Use the Right Equipment
Proper court shoes with lateral support, a paddle that fits your grip size, and appropriate eye protection all reduce injury risk significantly.
3
Learn Good Technique
Many upper extremity injuries stem from poor mechanics — gripping too tightly, using wrist snap instead of body rotation, or reaching awkwardly for balls. A lesson or two pays dividends.
4
Rest and Recover
Overuse injuries are the most preventable injuries in pickleball. Build rest days into your schedule, especially if you play daily.
From Dr. Pickleball's Musings
- Choosing the Right Pickleball Paddle: Your Elbow May Have an Opinion!
- Knee Braces and Pickleball: Should We Award Extra Points for Wearing the Most?
- Is It Your Back, Hip, or Knee? Sometimes the Pain Is Lying to You!
- Cortisone vs. PRP: The Quick Fix, the Expensive Fix, or the Right Fix?
- Choosing Your Orthopedic Surgeon: Trust the Surgeon, Not the Billboard
Have a specific injury or condition you'd like to see covered? The article library is growing.
About Dr. Engasser