Pickleball has become a go-to sport in Arvada because it’s social, accessible, and easy to start at almost any age. But as more people play more often, one question comes up all the time:

Are pickleball injuries common—and what can you do to avoid them?

Below you’ll learn the most common pickleball injuries, why they happen, and practical ways to lower your risk so you can stay on the court longer.

Key takeaways (quick read)

Pickleball feels “low impact,” but quick starts/stops, lunging, and falls still cause injuries.
The most common issues tend to involve the elbow, shoulder, knee, ankle, wrist, and low back.
Most injuries are preventable with the right warm-up, footwear, conditioning, and technique.
If pain keeps coming back (or you’ve had a fall), a physical therapy evaluation can help you recover faster and reduce repeat injuries.

Are pickleball injuries common in Arvada?

In Arvada, we see a wide mix of players—first-timers, weekend competitors, and experienced athletes coming from tennis or other court sports. That variety is great for community… but it can also increase injury risk, especially when someone ramps up too quickly or plays through warning signs.

The good news: pickleball injuries are not “inevitable.” Most problems we see come down to a few fixable factors:

Conditioning that doesn’t match the demands of the game
Footwear that isn’t designed for court movement
Overuse (playing too frequently without recovery)
Technique issues (especially with grip, swing mechanics, and lunging)
Balance deficits that increase fall risk

The most common pickleball injuries (and what they feel like)

Here are the injuries we most often hear about from pickleball players, plus the “classic” symptoms.

1) Pickleball elbow (tennis elbow / lateral epicondylitis)

What it feels like: pain or burning on the outside of the elbow, worse with gripping, lifting, or backhand shots.
Why it happens: repetitive gripping + wrist/elbow mechanics that overload the forearm tendons.

2) Shoulder pain (rotator cuff irritation or tendinopathy)

What it feels like: pain in the front/side of the shoulder with serving, overhead shots, or reaching.
Why it happens: repeated overhead motion + weakness in the rotator cuff/scapular stabilizers.

3) Wrist/hand injuries (sprains—or sometimes fractures after a fall)

What it feels like: swelling, bruising, pain with movement or gripping the paddle.
Why it happens: falling onto an outstretched hand, or repetitive strain.

4) Knee pain (irritation, tendon overload, or meniscus-type symptoms)

What it feels like: pain with squatting, stairs, lunging, or twisting; sometimes clicking/catching.
Why it happens: quick direction changes, deceleration, and repeated bending.

5) Ankle sprains and foot pain

What it feels like: rolling the ankle, swelling, instability; or lingering arch/heel pain.
Why it happens: side-to-side court movement, pivoting, and shoes without enough stability.

6) Low back pain

What it feels like: stiffness or sharp pain with bending, rotating, reaching, or prolonged play.
Why it happens: repeated trunk rotation, hinging, and fatigue—often paired with limited hip mobility or weak core control.

Why pickleball injuries happen (even though the court is small)

Understanding Pickleball Injuries: Why They Happen

Pickleball is deceptive: the court is smaller than tennis, but the movements can be more reactive—short sprints, quick stops, sudden reaches, and rapid changes of direction close to the kitchen line.

Injuries tend to happen when:

You play longer/faster than your current conditioning supports
You don’t warm up (cold muscles + fast movement is a bad combo)
Your shoes allow the foot to slide/roll during lateral movement
Fatigue sets in and your mechanics change
You try to “save” a ball with a last-second lunge or twist

Injury prevention: a simple checklist that works

If you want the highest return-on-effort for staying healthy, start here.

1) Warm up for 5 minutes (minimum)

A warm-up should raise your heart rate and prepare your joints for quick movement.

Try this before you play:

60 seconds brisk walk or light jog
10–15 bodyweight squats (comfortable range)
10 reverse lunges each side
20–30 seconds lateral shuffles each direction
Arm circles + gentle trunk rotations
A few “practice rallies” at 50–70% speed before going full intensity

2) Wear real court shoes (not running shoes)

Running shoes are built for straight-line movement. Pickleball involves lateral cuts and quick pivots—court shoes are designed to help with that.

Look for: lateral stability, good traction, and a secure heel.

3) Build the 3 foundations: strength, balance, and mobility

A simple plan done 2–3x/week goes a long way:

Leg strength: squats, step-downs, lunges
Calf/ankle strength: calf raises, balance work
Core control: dead bug variations, planks, carries
Shoulder stability: rows, external rotation, scapular control drills

4) Respect load and recovery

Many overuse problems come from playing “just one more day” every week.

Easy rule:

If you’re increasing frequency, intensity, or tournament play, increase only one at a time.
Add at least 1 rest day after a very intense session—especially if you’re sore the next morning.

5) Clean up technique early (especially for beginners)

Small changes can reduce stress on your elbow and shoulder dramatically:

correct grip size
avoid excessive wrist flicking
learn safe deceleration and footwork patterns
improve kitchen-line positioning to avoid awkward reaches

A lesson or two early on can prevent months of rehab later.

What to do if pain starts during a game

Don’t push through sharp pain. Modify first: reduce intensity, shorten swings, avoid lunging.
If symptoms linger after play, use a short rest window and basic self-care.
If pain keeps returning each time you play, it’s time to get assessed—repeating the same irritation cycle usually makes recovery slower.

When to see a professional (don’t ignore these)

Consider getting checked if you have:

swelling that doesn’t improve
pain that changes how you walk or move
symptoms lasting more than 7–10 days
recurring elbow/shoulder pain every time you play
numbness/tingling, instability, or “giving way”
a fall with wrist/hip pain or difficulty bearing weight

How physical therapy can help pickleball players in Arvada

If you’re dealing with pickleball elbow, shoulder pain, knee pain, ankle sprains, or back issues, a targeted plan can help you:

identify the true driver of the problem (not just the painful area)
restore mobility and joint mechanics
rebuild strength and tolerance for pickleball-specific movement
improve balance and agility to reduce falls and repeat injuries
return to play with a clear progression (instead of guessing)

At Manual Therapy Associates in Arvada, we commonly help active adults who want to stay athletic—not just “feel okay.”

FAQ: Pickleball injuries in Arvada

What is the most common pickleball injury?

Most players report some combination of overuse pain (especially elbow/shoulder) or lower-body strains/sprains. Falls can also lead to more serious injuries like wrist fractures.

How do I know if I have pickleball elbow?

A common sign is pain on the outside of the elbow that gets worse with gripping the paddle, lifting a pan, turning a doorknob, or backhand shots.

Should I rest completely if something hurts?

Not always. Many issues respond best to smart modification—reducing intensity, improving mechanics, and doing the right strengthening plan. But sharp pain or swelling should be taken seriously.

What shoes are best for preventing pickleball injuries?

Court shoes (tennis/pickleball court shoes) are generally better than running shoes because they’re built for lateral stability and quick cuts.

When should I see a physical therapist?

If pain keeps returning when you play, lasts more than 7–10 days, or changes how you move, a PT evaluation can help you address the root cause and avoid chronic flare-ups.

Final thoughts

Pickleball is an incredible way to stay active in Arvada—but your body has to be prepared for quick reactions, lateral movement, and repetitive hitting. The better you warm up, condition, and clean up mechanics, the lower your risk of injury—and the more fun you’ll have on the court.

If you’re already dealing with pain, the right plan can get you back to playing confidently.

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