Pickleball has exploded in popularity, offering a fun, fast-paced mashup of tennis, badminton and ping-pong. Because it is incredibly easy to learn and initially feels like a low-intensity sport, it has become the go-to pastime for seniors and people looking to get off the couch and get moving.
But do not let the downsized court fool you. Orthopaedic clinics are seeing an unprecedented wave of injured pickleball players. The sport demands explosive sprints, abrupt changes of direction and repetitive high-velocity overhead swings, all of which place intense strain on unconditioned muscles, joints and tendons.
On-Court Injuries: Acute vs Overuse
Most pickleball injuries stem from either sudden trauma (acute injuries) or repetitive wear and tear (overuse injuries).
Injury | Classification | Primary Cause |
Achilles Tendon Issues | Overuse / Acute | Sudden backpedaling and rapid stop-and-start movements strain the lower calf, leading to tears or tendonitis. |
Sprained Knees & Ankles | Acute | Severe lateral shifting and quick pivots can overextend ligaments or cause players to roll their ankles. |
Pickleball Elbow | Overuse | Constantly flicking the wrist and hitting backhands strains the forearm tendons (lateral epicondylitis). |
Shoulder Tendonitis | Overuse | Overworking the rotator cuff through repetitive, aggressive overhead smashing. |
Broken Wrists | Acute | Fractures (distal radius) caused by instinctively putting a hand out to break a fall after a trip or stumble. |
The Root Causes of the Injury Surge
Why is such an accessible game causing so many trips to the doctor? Three main factors are at play.
The "Zero to Sixty" Mentality
Because the barrier to entry is so low, formerly inactive people often dive into intense matches too quickly. Their muscles and joints simply are not conditioned for the sudden agility the game requires.
Improper Footwear
Many players hit the court wearing running shoes. Running shoes are designed primarily for forward movement and lack the lateral stability needed for court sports, making slips and rolled ankles much more likely.
The No-Warm-Up Shortcut
Because the court is compact, players mistakenly assume they do not need to prepare before playing. Jumping straight into a game with stiff, "cold" muscles increases the risk of strains and tears.
How to Stay on the Court and Out of the A&E
You can protect your joints and continue enjoying pickleball by adopting a few preventative habits.
Upgrade Your Shoes
Ditch the running shoes and invest in court-specific footwear designed for tennis or pickleball. Their flatter, more stable soles are built to handle heavy lateral movement and better protect your ankles during quick side-to-side changes.
Commit to a Dynamic Warm-Up
Never start a game cold. Spend five to 10 minutes getting your blood pumping before your first serve.
Focus on:
- Brisk walking or light jogging
- Side-stepping drills
- Arm swings
- Light lunges
- Stretching and mobilising the calves, hamstrings, shoulders and lower back
Focus on Proper Mechanics
Working with a certified coach is worth the investment. Learning proper body positioning, movement patterns and paddle grip will not only improve your game but also reduce unnecessary stress on your tendons and joints.
Know the Difference Between Soreness and Pain
Mild muscle soreness after a challenging match is normal. Persistent, sharp or localised pain is not.
If pain does not improve with rest, ice and basic self-care, stop playing and seek assessment from an orthopaedic specialist before the injury becomes more serious.
Keep Playing Safely with HC Orthopaedic Surgery
Our Specialised Team
At HC Orthopaedic Surgery, sports injury care is provided by Dr Henry Chan, Dr Nicholas Yeoh, Dr Toon Dong Hao and Dr Tang Zhi Hao. Whether you have sustained an acute injury or developed persistent pain from overuse, the team provides personalised treatment to help you recover safely and return to the activities you enjoy. Arrange a consultation if your symptoms are not improving or are limiting your ability to stay active.
FAQs About Pickleball Injury Risks
Why are pickleball injuries becoming more common?
Who is most likely to get injured playing pickleball?
Are pickleball injuries usually caused by a fall or overuse?
Is pickleball safe for older adults?
Can I continue playing pickleball if I have arthritis?
Meet Our Doctors
Dr Henry Chan
Medical Director & Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBBS (S’pore), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Orthopaedic Surgery), FRCS (Edinburgh)
Dr Henry Chan is an experienced orthopaedic surgeon specialising in joint replacement and complex revision surgery. Trained at the renowned Helios Endo-Klinik in Germany under the MOH HMDP scholarship, he has performed over 1,000 joint replacements and specialises in computer-assisted and robotic joint replacement techniques for precise outcomes.
Dr Nicholas Yeoh
Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBChB (Edinburgh), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Orthopaedic Surgery), FRCS (Edinburgh)
Dr Nicholas Yeoh is an MOH-accredited orthopaedic specialist and Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Fellowship-trained in hip and knee reconstruction in Sydney under the MOH HMDP scholarship, he specialises in minimally invasive joint replacement, robotic surgery and advanced techniques that enhance recovery and surgical outcomes.
Dr Toon Dong Hao
Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBChB (Leeds), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Orthopaedic Surgery), FRCS (Edinburgh)
Dr Toon Dong Hao is a skilled orthopaedic surgeon and Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Fellowship-trained in Advanced Shoulder and Elbow Surgery in Sydney under the MOH HMDP scholarship, Dr Toon specialises in sports injuries, arthroscopic surgery and complex shoulder, elbow and knee procedures to restore function and mobility.
Dr Tang Zhi Hao
Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBBS (S’pore), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Orthopaedic Surgery), FRCS (Edinburgh)
Dr Tang Zhi Hao is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon specialising in foot and ankle conditions. He completed his Foot and Ankle Surgery fellowship at Severance Hospital, Yonsei University Health System in Seoul under Professor Jin Woo Lee. Prior to private practice, he served as Consultant and Deputy Head of Orthopaedics at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital.
