Learn about the most common pickleball injuries and how to avoid them!
Pickleball is a great activity for people of all ages and skill levels. Because the pace and level of play are largely determined by you and your opponents, it can be an accessible way to stay active, enjoy the outdoors, and connect with friends. As one of Canada's fastest-growing sports, more people than ever are picking up a paddle, however, the growing nature of the sport also means there are more and more people playing the game without taking the proper precautions to prevent injuries.
Like any sport, pickleball comes with some injury risk. The combination of quick starts, stops, pivots, and repetitive swinging motions can place stress on the body, leading to aches, pains, and, in some cases, injury.
The stop-and-start nature of the game can lead to common lower-body injuries such as ankle sprains, calf strains, Achilles strains, and hamstring or quadriceps strains that can occur during quick changes of direction or lunging for the ball.
Repetitive swinging motions may also contribute to tennis elbow, a condition involving irritation of the tendons on the outside of the elbow and forearm.
Additionally, falls can result in bruises, wrist sprains, or fractures, particularly when players instinctively reach out to break their fall.
Don’t let these injuries scare you away from doing the activity you love! Any sport or activity comes with some risk, but with the right precautions, you can stay happy and healthy on the pickle ball court.
- Regular strength and cardiovascular exercise outside of pickleball can improve endurance and reduce fatigue-related injuries during play.
- If you're new to the sport, gradually increase how often and how intensely you play to allow your body time to adapt and reduce the risk of overuse injuries.
- To prevent sprains and trips or falls, wear proper footwear such as court shoes which will better support your quick, lateral movements.
- Proper dynamic warmups can prevent muscle strains but can also ensure your body is activated and ready to handle every serve, volley, and diving point you throw its way!
If you're experiencing pain during or after pickleball, don't wait for it to become a bigger problem. One of our physiotherapists at Waterdown Physiotherapy can help identify the source of your symptoms, address any underlying movement or strength deficits, and develop a personalized plan to help you return to the court safely.
References:
Greiner N. (2019). Pickleball: Injury Considerations in an Increasingly Popular Sport. Missouri medicine, 116(6), 488–491.
Gric, N. (2026, May 20). 10 strategies to prevent common pickleball injuries. Grand River Sports Medicine Centre serving Cambridge and Kitchener-Waterloo. https://www.grsm.ca/pickleball-injury-prevention-tips/
