PICKLEBALL AND PADEL INJURIES: A BEGINNER’S GUIDE

Pickleball and Padel are two sports that’re really popular now. People like Pickleball and Padel because they are fun, easy to play with others and good for getting exercise. A lot of people who’re new to Pickleball and Padel start playing right away without learning how to play Pickleball and Padel properly.

The thing is, even though Pickleball and Padel are not as rough as some sports you can still get hurt if you do not play Pickleball and Padel correctly. Dr. Chirag Arora, who is a renowned orthopedic surgeon and sports injury specialist practising at Fortis Hospital Gurgaon & Nirvana Speciality Clinics, says that most injuries happen to people who are new to Pickleball and Padel because they do not warm up properly, use the wrong technique or play Pickleball and Padel too much too soon.

In this blog, we will talk about the injuries that happen to people who play Pickleball and Padel, why Pickleball and Padel injuries happen and how you can prevent Pickleball and Padel injuries in a way.

Why Pickleball and Padel Injuries Happen?

When you play Pickleball and Padel, you have to move from side to side, stop and start suddenly, and use your wrists and shoulders a lot. People who are new to these sports often make mistakes like not warming up, playing for long without taking a break, using the wrong posture or grip, and not being strong enough in their core and legs.

Common Padel Injuries in Beginners

1. Tennis Elbow

You can get Tennis Elbow from playing Pickleball and Padel even though it is called Tennis Elbow.

The symptoms of Tennis Elbow are:

• Pain on the outside of your elbow
• Your grip is weak
• It hurts when you lift things

This happens because you use your wrist and forearm much when you play Pickleball and Padel.

2. Shoulder Pain

People who are new to Pickleball and Padel often hit the ball in a way that’s not correct which can hurt their shoulder muscles.

The symptoms of Shoulder Pain are:

• Pain in your shoulder when you lift your arm
• Shoulder stiffness

3. Ankle Sprain

If you move quickly to the side and wear shoes that’re not good for playing Pickleball and Padel you can hurt your ankle.

The symptoms of Ankle Sprain are:

• Your ankle swells
• It hurts when you walk
• Your ankle feels unstable

4. Knee Pain

When you bend your knees a lot and stop and start suddenly it can hurt your knee joints.

The symptoms of Knee Pain are:

• It hurts when you climb stairs
• Your knee swells
• You hear a clicking sound

5. Lower Back Pain

If you do not stand up straight when you play Pickleball and Padel you can hurt your lower back.

The symptoms of Lower Back Pain are:

• Your lower back feels tight
• It hurts after you play Pickleball and Padel
• You have trouble bending

Why Beginners Are More at Risk

Pickleball and Padel injuries happen in the few months of playing because your muscles are not used to playing Pickleball and Padel your body is not used to moving quickly and you try to play Pickleball and Padel too hard too soon.

Simple Injury Prevention Tips

1. Always Warm Up

You should warm up for a few minutes by jogging a little, moving your arms in circles, and stretching your legs and shoulders before you play Pickleball and Padel.

2. Wear Good Shoes

If you wear shoes that have grip, you will be less likely to hurt your ankle when you play Pickleball and Padel.

3. Learn the Right Technique

If you use the wrong technique, you can hurt your elbow and shoulder when you play Pickleball and Padel.

4. Do Not Play Pickleball and Padel Too Much

Start with sessions of 30–45 minutes when you play Pickleball and Padel.

5. Get Stronger

Focus on strengthening your core, legs, and shoulders so you can play Pickleball and Padel safely.

6. Drink Plenty of Water

If you do not drink water, you can get muscle cramps when you play Pickleball and Padel.

When to See a Doctor?

You should see an Orthopedic Specialist near you if:

• Your pain lasts more than 5–7 days
• Your swelling gets worse
• You cannot move your joint properly
• Your pain affects your daily life

Early treatment can prevent long-term damage when you play Pickleball and Padel.

Expert Advice from Dr. Chirag Arora

Dr. Chirag Arora says that most Pickleball and Padel injuries can be prevented. The key is to warm up, train slowly, use technique, and listen to your body when you play Pickleball and Padel.He also says that ignoring pain can turn into a bigger problem later when you play Pickleball and Padel.

Role of Orthopedic Care in Pickleball and Padel Injuries

Nowadays Orthopedic care focuses on:

• Treating Pickleball and Padel injuries without surgery
• Teaching injury prevention
• Diagnosis using imaging
• Minimally invasive procedures if needed
• With the right care most Pickleball and Padel injuries heal without surgery.

Recovery Tips for Beginners if you get hurt:

• Rest the injured part
• Apply ice to reduce swelling
• Avoid playing Pickleball and Padel until pain reduces
• Start physiotherapy if advised

Conclusion

Pickleball and Padel are sports for fitness and fun but beginners need to be careful when they play. Most injuries happen because of preparation not because of Pickleball and Padel itself.

Dr. Chirag Arora, top orthopedic surgeon in Gurgaon, emphasizes that awareness and prevention are the ways to stay safe and enjoy the game of Pickleball and Padel. If you feel pain or discomfort while playing, consult a doctor early to avoid long-term problems and stay active for years.

Frequently Asked Questions