Pickleball has quickly become one of the fastest-growing sports in the country—and for good reason. It's fun, social, and suitable for players of all ages. But as more people hit the courts this summer, doctors are seeing a sharp increase in pickleball-related injuries.

Whether you're a seasoned player or just picked up a paddle, repetitive movements, quick direction changes, and sudden bursts of activity can take a toll on your body.

If pain is keeping you off the court, here's what you need to know about pickleball injury treatment and when it's time to seek professional care.

The Most Common Pickleball Injuries

Although pickleball is considered low-impact, it still places significant stress on your joints and muscles.

Common injuries include:

• Knee pain
• Shoulder strains
• Tennis elbow (or pickleball elbow)
• Hip pain
• Lower back pain
• Ankle sprains
• Muscle strains

Many of these injuries develop gradually from overuse, while others happen suddenly during a fall or quick pivot.

Why Are Injuries So Common?

Pickleball involves frequent:

• Quick side-to-side movements
• Lunging
• Twisting
• Reaching overhead
• Sudden stops and starts

If your muscles aren't properly conditioned—or you're jumping into long matches after being inactive—your risk of injury increases significantly.

What Should You Do After an Injury?

If you develop pain while playing:

• Stop playing immediately.
• Rest the affected area.
• Apply ice for 15–20 minutes several times a day.
• Avoid pushing through the pain.

Returning to the court too soon can turn a minor injury into a long-term problem.

When Is It Time to See a Specialist?

Don't ignore symptoms that last more than a few days, including:

• Persistent joint pain
• Swelling
• Limited range of motion
• Weakness
• Pain that worsens with activity
• Numbness or tingling

Early evaluation often leads to faster recovery and helps prevent chronic injuries.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

At California Sports & Spine Institute, we specialize in helping active patients recover without unnecessary surgery whenever possible.

Depending on your injury, treatment may include:

• Advanced diagnostic testing
• Image-guided injections
• Regenerative medicine, including PRP therapy
• Physical rehabilitation recommendations
• Minimally invasive procedures for chronic pain

Every treatment plan is tailored to your injury, activity level, and recovery goals.

Tips to Prevent Future Injuries

Keep yourself in the game by:

• Warming up before every match
• Stretching after play
• Wearing supportive court shoes
• Staying hydrated
• Gradually increasing your playing time
• Taking rest days to allow your body to recover

Listening to your body is one of the best ways to avoid preventable injuries.

Get Back on the Court Faster

You don't have to let pain keep you on the sidelines. Early treatment can speed recovery, reduce inflammation, and help you safely return to the activities you love.

Expert Pickleball Injury Treatment at California Sports & Spine Institute

If you're dealing with a pickleball injury or ongoing joint pain, the team at California Sports & Spine Institute is here to help. We provide advanced sports medicine and non-surgical orthopedic care for knee, shoulder, hip, elbow, and back injuries at our Arcadia, Glendale, and Palmdale locations. Call (818) 338-6860 or (626) 460-1096 today to schedule an evaluation and get back to playing your best.