Pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing recreational sports in the country, bringing together players of all ages and skill levels. Its accessibility is one of its greatest appeals, but as more people take to the court, orthopedic specialists are seeing an increase in injuries related to the repetitive movements, quick changes in direction and physical demands of the sport.
For Dr. Brian Christie, an orthopedic hand & upper extremity surgeon at Orthopedic & Spine Centers of Wisconsin (OSCW), treating pickleball injuries is becoming an increasingly common part of his practice. After suffering a pickleball-related injury himself, Dr. Christie gained first-hand insight into the importance of proper preparation, listening to your body and seeking care when pain or discomfort persists.
The Rise of Pickleball-Related Injuries
“As pickleball has exploded in popularity, we’ve seen a corresponding increase in overuse injuries of the hand, wrist and elbow,” says Dr. Christie.
The most common injuries he treats among pickleball players include:
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
- Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)
- De Quervain’s tendinitis affecting the thumb and wrist
- ECU tendinitis involving the outside of the wrist
- TFCC injuries and flare-ups
- Hand and wrist fractures caused by falls
“Most of these aren’t caused by a single traumatic event,” explains Dr. Christie. “They develop when someone increases their activity too quickly, skips warming up or plays through pain.”
While many pickleball injuries develop gradually, falls and sudden movements can also lead to more acute injuries, including fractures, ligament injuries, and other trauma.
Dr. Christie’s Patient Experience
About a year ago, while preparing to play pickleball, he found himself rushing and skipped his normal warm-up routine. During the game, he lunged for a ball, felt a pop and fell.
“When I stood up, I immediately knew something was wrong. I had ruptured my Achilles tendon,” says Dr. Christie.
Fortunately, he was able to receive prompt evaluation and treatment from one of his orthopedic colleagues. After imaging confirmed the injury, he underwent surgery later that week and spent several months working through rehabilitation before returning to pickleball.
OSCW prides itself on providing the community with timely access to expert orthopedic care because it leads to better outcomes. For Achilles tendon tears, prompt treatment is critical to reduce the risk of tendon elongation, calf muscle atrophy, and long-term functional weakness.
“The experience reinforced something I had always told patients but now appreciate on a personal level: warming up matters, and those small aches and pains before an injury shouldn’t be ignored.”
Experiencing an injury himself gave Dr. Christie a deeper understanding of the challenges patients face throughout the healing process.
“It reminded me that orthopedic care is about much more than fixing an injury,” he says. “It’s about guiding patients through what can be a long and sometimes frustrating recovery.”
Recovery, he explains, is rarely a straight path.
“I learned firsthand that recovery isn’t linear. There are good days and bad days, and progress often comes in waves rather than a straight line.”
That perspective has shaped the way Dr. Christie communicates with patients, particularly when they experience setbacks or frustration during recovery. Clear communication is a priority at OSCW, where the goal is to help patients feel informed, prepared, and confident throughout their entire recovery process.
“Patients often worry when they have a setback, but that’s actually a normal part of the healing process,” says Dr. Christie. “Those conversations are easier to have now because I’ve lived through them myself.”
Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs
Dr. Christie’s own injury reinforced the importance of listening to the body.
“Pain is your body’s way of telling you something isn’t right,” he says. “While some muscle soreness after activity is normal, persistent pain should never be considered ‘just part of the game.'”
Many overuse injuries begin with mild symptoms that players may overlook. Addressing those issues early through rest, stretching, strengthening exercises or physical therapy can often prevent a more significant injury.
“Looking back, I had some Achilles tenderness before my rupture,” says Dr. Christie. “In hindsight, that was a warning sign I wish I had taken more seriously.”
Common Mistakes That Increase Injury Risk
Often viewed as a low-impact activity, pickleball places significant demands on the body.
“The biggest mistake is treating pickleball like it doesn’t require athletic preparation,” says Dr. Christie.
Although the sport is accessible, it requires quick lateral movement, lunging, repetitive swinging and sudden changes in direction.
“Because the sport is so accessible, many people jump in and start playing several days a week without preparing their bodies for the demands of the activity,” says Dr. Christie.
How Pickleball Players Can Prevent Injuries
The best injury prevention starts before stepping onto the court.
Dr. Christie recommends spending five to 10 minutes warming up with dynamic movements that prepare the shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips and calves for activity.
“Maintaining good overall strength and mobility, especially in the core and lower body, is just as important as practicing your shots,” he says.
During the game, players should also pay attention to how their bodies feel.
“If something starts hurting, don’t ignore it,” says Dr. Christie. “No single point is worth risking a major injury.”
When Should Pickleball Players Seek Treatment?
While some soreness after activity is normal, certain symptoms should be evaluated by an orthopedic specialist.
Players should seek medical attention if they experience:
- Severe pain
- A popping sensation during activity
- Significant swelling or deformity
- Difficulty bearing weight or using the affected arm or hand normally
For non-traumatic injuries, using heat or ice, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication and a short period of rest may help. However, if symptoms continue for several days, interfere with daily activities, or repeatedly return during play, it’s important to seek evaluation.
“Early treatment is often much easier than treating a chronic injury that has been ignored for months,” says Dr. Christie.
Whether you’re dealing with a new injury or ongoing discomfort, our OSCW specialists can help you get back to the activities you enjoy.
Schedule an appointment today to receive expert evaluation and a personalized treatment plan designed to keep you playing safely.
