Shoulder
Shoulder problems, including rotator cuff irritation, tendonitis, bursitis, or tears are common in pickleball due to reaching overhead with a lot of force, as well as repetitive motions hitting the ball, however rotator cuff injuries can also be caused by everyday activities.
Lower back & sciatica
Lower back problems may be common throughout the lifespan, however disc irritation or muscle strains can occur with pickleball, especially when not being sufficiently warmed up and suddenly cutting or reaching for a ball, often forward bending or repetitive trunk rotation. It is important to make sure you get your heartrate up and warm up your muscles before getting on the court to play.
Elbow
Tennis elbow, or rather “pickleball elbow”, otherwise known as lateral epicondylitis, is an overuse injury common with racket sports. This can be caused by giving the muscles insufficient rest, or just placing higher demands on “under-strong” muscles to where they cannot keep up with the demands. This is why it is important to take rest days and gradually progress in duration and frequency of playing pickleball.
Ankle and Foot
Ankle sprains and Achilles strains/tears can be common in pickleball due to the cutting and pivoting, as well as prevalence of tripping and falls, especially in players of advanced age due to the tendency for decreased balance and reactive muscles. Plantar fasciitis and bone bruises to the heel can often occur due to repetitive pressure on a hard surface
