Pickleball has exploded in Winnipeg, and courts at places like Dakota Community Centre are busy most of the week. It is easy to learn and very social, but the quick footwork and repeated paddle swings can still lead to injury. Here is what pickleball elbow is, the other injuries players commonly report, and when it is worth getting assessed.
What is pickleball elbow?
"Pickleball elbow" is a nickname for lateral elbow tendinopathy, the same condition people call tennis elbow. It affects the tendons on the outside of the elbow that attach the muscles used to grip and extend the wrist. Repeated gripping and swinging, especially with a tight grip or a sudden jump in playing time, can overload these tendons.
Common signs include:
- pain or tenderness on the outer part of the elbow
- pain when gripping the paddle, lifting a kettle or shaking hands
- forearm aching after playing that eases with rest
- weaker grip, or dropping objects more easily
Pickleball elbow vs tennis elbow
There is no medical difference. The name simply reflects the sport. Some players also get pain on the inner elbow, which is more often linked to the tendons that flex the wrist. A physiotherapist can help you work out which tissues are involved and which movements aggravate them.
Read our detailed guide: Do I have tennis elbow?
Other common pickleball injuries
Research on pickleball players highlights a few patterns. Sprains and strains are the most common injuries, older players are at higher risk, and overuse problems are more common than one-off accidents.
- Shoulder pain: rotator cuff irritation from repeated overhead shots and serves.
- Calf strain and Achilles problems: sudden pushes forward to reach a dink or drop shot. A sudden pop at the back of the ankle needs prompt medical assessment.
- Ankle sprains: quick lateral movements and turning on a planted foot.
- Knee pain: repeated lunges and stops, especially after a big increase in playing time.
- Wrist injuries and fractures from falls: reaching backwards for a lob is a common way to lose balance.
Tips to reduce your risk
- Warm up before you play: a few minutes of walking, leg swings and arm circles.
- Relax your grip: a death grip on the paddle increases forearm load.
- Increase play gradually: jumping from one session a week to daily play is a common trigger for elbow and Achilles pain.
- Wear court shoes: they support side-to-side movement better than running shoes.
- Do not back-pedal for lobs: turn and move sideways to reduce the risk of falling backwards.
- Add strength work: grip, forearm, shoulder and calf strengthening all help tissues tolerate play.
When should you see a physiotherapist?
Book an assessment if elbow or shoulder pain lasts more than two weeks after easing off, keeps coming back when you return to play, wakes you at night or affects work and daily tasks. Physiotherapy for elbow pain usually involves understanding your playing load, assessing strength and movement, and a progressive exercise plan, along with advice on modifying play rather than stopping completely.
Seek urgent care for a suspected fracture, a sudden pop with difficulty walking, a joint that looks deformed, or significant swelling after a fall.
Pickleball injury physiotherapy in St. Vital
Pro-Motion Physiotherapy is on St. Anne's Road in Meadowood, a short drive from the Dakota Fieldhouse courts. We see players for elbow, wrist and hand pain, shoulder pain and sports injuries, with evening and weekend appointments and direct billing to many insurers.
Book an assessment online or call (204) 560-2999.
Sources and further information
- UC Davis Health: pickleball injuries are on the rise, with tips to avoid them
- AAOS OrthoInfo: tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
- Frontiers in Public Health (2025): injury epidemiology of pickleball players
This article is general information, not an individual assessment or diagnosis.