Why Pickleball Injuries Are Increasing

Pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing sports in Austin.

The combination of quick directional changes, repetitive swings, lunging movements, and increasing playing frequency has led to a rise in injury rates among both recreational and competitive players.

Many injuries develop gradually before becoming significant enough to affect performance.

Most Common Pickleball Injuries

Tennis Elbow

Despite the name, tennis elbow is extremely common among pickleball players.

Repeated gripping and paddle swings place stress on the forearm tendons over time.

Achilles Tendinitis

Explosive starts and stops create significant demands on the Achilles tendon.

Players often notice symptoms first thing in the morning or during the beginning of matches.

Low Back Pain

Rotational movements and repeated bending can contribute to back discomfort.

Movement restrictions elsewhere in the body often increase stress on the lumbar spine.

Knee Pain

Frequent lateral movement can expose mobility deficits, strength limitations, and tendon-related issues.

Shoulder Pain

Overhead shots and repetitive swings can contribute to shoulder irritation, especially in players with limited mobility.

Why Stretching Alone Usually Doesn’t Work

Many players attempt to manage symptoms through stretching alone.

However, recurring injuries are often influenced by:

• Strength deficits
• Movement mechanics
• Training volume
• Recovery capacity

Addressing these factors is typically more effective than simply stretching painful areas.

What Successful Recovery Looks Like

Effective treatment often includes:

• Movement assessment
• Joint mobility work
• Soft tissue treatment
• Strength development
• Return-to-play planning

The goal is to reduce pain while helping athletes continue enjoying the sport safely.

FAQs

What is the most common pickleball injury?

Tennis elbow, Achilles tendinitis, knee pain, shoulder pain, and low back pain are among the most common injuries seen in pickleball players. These conditions often develop gradually due to repetitive movement patterns and increasing playing frequency.

Should I stop playing pickleball if I have pain?

Not always. Many injuries can be managed while continuing to play with appropriate modifications. Determining the cause of symptoms and adjusting training volume appropriately is often more effective than complete rest alone.

Why do pickleball injuries keep coming back?

Recurring injuries often involve underlying movement limitations, strength deficits, tendon capacity issues, or training load problems. Addressing these contributing factors is important for reducing the likelihood of future flare-ups and improving long-term performance.

Can a sports chiropractor help with pickleball injuries?

Sports chiropractors commonly evaluate mobility, strength, movement mechanics, and tissue function. Treatment may include manual therapy, rehabilitation exercises, soft tissue treatment, dry needling when appropriate, and return-to-sport planning tailored to the athlete’s goals.