Pickleball is a rapidly growing and popular sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. While it’s known for being low-impact and easy to learn, it’s not without potential for injury.
One of the most common complaints among pickleball players is a condition called “pickleball elbow,” — more widely known as tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis. Despite the differences between pickleball and tennis, the similar swinging motion of the racket can lead to an increased risk of this injury developing. This type of elbow pain can interfere with daily activities and keep you off the court if not properly managed.
In this article, we’ll discuss what pickleball elbow is, what causes it, its symptoms, treatment options, and how an orthopedic physician can help you get back into the game.
What Is Pickleball Elbow?
Pickleball elbow, also known as tennis elbow, is an overuse injury affecting the tendons on the outside of the elbow. It occurs when repetitive arm and wrist movements cause tiny tears in the tendons, leading to inflammation, pain, and tenderness. Though commonly associated with tennis players, lateral epicondylitis can affect anyone who regularly uses their forearm muscles in a repetitive motion, which is why pickleball players are also susceptible. Pickleball’s fast-paced, repetitive paddle swings can strain the forearm muscles, causing pickleball elbow to develop over time.
This condition can affect anyone, from recreational players to people who play competitively. In addition to pain, pickleball elbow can reduce grip strength and discomfort during daily tasks, making it essential to understand and address the symptoms early on.
What Causes Pickleball Elbow?
Pickleball elbow develops from repetitive stress and strain on the forearm muscles and tendons, particularly where they attach to the bony bump on the outer part of the elbow. When playing pickleball, several factors can contribute to this condition:
- Repetitive Swinging: Each time a player swings the paddle, especially during a strong backhand or serve, it engages the extensor muscles of the forearm. Repeating this motion without adequate rest can strain these muscles, leading to inflammation and tiny tears in the tendons.
- Improper Technique: Incorrect form, including when hitting backhand strokes or serves, can place extra stress on the tendons, accelerating the wear and tear that leads to pickleball elbow.
- Overuse: For players new to pickleball or those who play frequently, the strain of multiple games or long sessions can increase the risk of elbow pain. Beginners are often more susceptible since they may lack the muscle conditioning needed for the game.
- Inadequate Equipment: Using a paddle that’s too heavy or holding it with an excessively tight grip can increase strain on the forearm muscles, further contributing to pickleball elbow.
Over time, these factors can lead to overuse and eventually cause inflammation and small tears in the tendons, resulting in the pain and stiffness characteristic of pickleball elbow.
Symptoms of Pickleball Elbow
Pickleball elbow typically develops gradually, with symptoms becoming more noticeable over time. Common symptoms include:
- Pain or Tenderness: The main symptom is pain on the outer side of the elbow, which may feel like a burning or aching sensation. The pain often worsens when gripping or lifting objects.
- Weak Grip Strength: Many people with pickleball elbow notice a decrease in grip strength, making it difficult to hold or carry objects, including their paddle.
- Stiffness: The elbow may feel stiff, especially after periods of inactivity or upon waking up in the morning.
- Pain During Activities: Daily activities that involve wrist and arm movement, like turning a doorknob, shaking hands, or lifting items, may become uncomfortable.
- Radiating Pain: In some cases, the pain may radiate down the forearm toward the wrist.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s essential to address them early on. Ignoring them may lead to worsening pain and longer recovery times.
Diagnosis of Pickleball Elbow
If you are experiencing potential symptoms of pickleball elbow, an orthopedic doctor can provide a clear diagnosis. During your appointment, the doctor will typically begin with a physical examination, evaluating the location of pain, tenderness, and range of motion. They may also ask you to perform specific movements or tests, including a technique known as Mill’s Test, to pinpoint where the pain originates.
In some cases, additional imaging tests such as an X-ray or MRI may be recommended to rule out other conditions, such as arthritis or nerve impingement, and confirm the diagnosis of lateral epicondylitis. This thorough evaluation helps ensure the treatment plan is tailored to your condition.
Treatment Options for Pickleball Elbow
Treating pickleball elbow often involves a combination of rest, therapeutic exercises, and lifestyle adjustments. Here are some of the most effective treatments:
- Rest and Activity Modification: Reducing or avoiding activities that worsen the pain is essential. Rest allows the tendons to heal, so taking a break from pickleball for a few weeks or modifying your play can help manage symptoms.
- Ice Therapy: Applying ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at intervals throughout the day can help reduce inflammation and ease pain.
- Over-the-Counter Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can guide you through specific exercises to strengthen the forearm muscles and improve flexibility, which can reduce symptoms and prevent recurrence. They may also teach stretching exercises for added relief.
- Bracing or Strapping: A counterforce brace or elbow strap can support and reduce strain on the tendons, especially during activity. This helps distribute the load and ease pressure on the elbow.
- Steroid Injections: In severe pain, interventional pain management, such as a corticosteroid injection, may reduce inflammation. This usually becomes an option when other treatments haven’t provided relief, as repeated injections can weaken tendons over time.
Most people experience a significant reduction in symptoms after following a personalized treatment plan and can eventually return to pickleball.
How an Orthopedic Physician Can Help
An orthopedic physician specializes in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal injuries, including those from sports like pickleball. If you’re dealing with persistent elbow pain, an orthopedic doctor can assess your condition, recommend appropriate treatments, and tailor a recovery plan that addresses your needs. In addition to performing a thorough diagnosis, an orthopedic doctor may also provide guidance on:
- Activity Modifications: They can advise you on how to modify your technique or reduce strain on your elbow when playing pickleball.
- Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation: Orthopedic physicians often work closely with physical therapists to create a structured rehab plan that includes strengthening exercises and mobility drills.
- Advanced Treatments: For severe or chronic cases of pickleball elbow, an orthopedic physician may recommend options, including interventional pain management and surgical intervention. Surgery is usually considered only if initial conservative therapies are attempted for a prolonged period without results.
Orthopedic care is especially valuable for preventing further injury and ensuring a full recovery. With the right treatment and guidance, you can address pickleball elbow and safely return to the sport you love.
Overcoming Pickleball Elbow
Pickleball elbow is a common issue for enthusiasts, but it can be managed effectively with proper care and prevention strategies. Recognizing the symptoms early and seeking appropriate treatment can significantly improve recovery time and overall comfort. By working with one of our orthopedic physicians, players can receive expert care to resolve their symptoms and take steps to prevent future injuries. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to pickleball, understanding and addressing pickleball elbow can help you enjoy this popular sport without pain.
At the Orthopedic Clinic, we believe that orthopedics is about keeping people at the center of care. Our caring experts take an individualized approach that takes your lifestyle and health goals into account before recommending a treatment plan. If you’re exploring all your treatment options for a sports-related injury such as pickleball elbow, the experienced physicians and surgeons at The Orthopedic Clinic are here to help you live an active life. Contact us today to learn more.