The early morning rallies. The friendly competition. The way pickleball has become part of the rhythm of life in Charleston, especially on Daniel Island, where the courts are full almost every day of the week. When something starts to hurt, it is frustrating, not just physically, but because this sport has become part of your routine, your community, your week. At Charleston Sports Medicine, we are seeing more pickleball-related injuries than ever before, and the good news is that most of them are very treatable, often without surgery and without a long break from the sport.
What We Are Seeing Most Right Now
Pickleball demands quick lateral movements, sudden stops, and repetitive swinging motion. That combination puts real stress on specific parts of the body. Here are the three injuries we are treating most often this summer:
Pickleball Elbow
That ache on the outside of your elbow after a long session is most likely lateral epicondylitis, sometimes called pickleball elbow or tennis elbow. It develops from the repetitive wrist and forearm motion the sport demands, especially during backhand strokes. Most patients respond well to rest, bracing, and targeted physical therapy. Getting it evaluated early prevents it from becoming a longer, more complicated problem.
Achilles Tendinopathy
The quick lateral movements and sudden bursts of speed in pickleball put significant stress on the Achilles tendon, the thick cord connecting your calf muscles to your heel. Morning stiffness, a burning sensation near the back of the heel, or pain that lingers after you play are all signs this tendon needs attention. Left untreated, Achilles tendinopathy can progress to a partial or full rupture, which is one of the more serious injuries we see on the court.
Knee Pain
For players who have returned to regular activity through pickleball, especially those in their 50s and beyond, knee pain from meniscus stress or early arthritis is common. The twisting and pivoting the sport requires can aggravate joints that already have some wear. Most patients do well with physical therapy, anti-inflammatory treatment, and a structured return-to-play plan. We will always exhaust conservative options before considering anything more involved.
How to Protect Yourself on the Court
A few simple habits go a long way toward keeping you in the game:
- Warm up with dynamic movements before every session, including leg swings, arm circles, and light jogging
- Work on your backhand mechanics to reduce stress on the elbow and forearm
- Build calf and hip strength to protect your Achilles and knees
- Listen to your body, pain that lingers after play is a signal worth taking seriously
- Do not wait until something is significantly worse before getting it looked at
You work too hard to earn your time on the court. At Charleston Sports Medicine, our team understands how much this sport means to you and we are here to help you get back to it as quickly and safely as possible. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and let us help you stay in the game all season long.
