4 Common Injuries in Pickleball

4 Common Pickleball Injuries (and How to Prevent Them)

By Corrective Physical Therapy – Scottsdale & Arcadia, AZ

Pickleball is taking over courts across Scottsdale and Phoenix — and for good reason. It’s fast-paced, competitive, and addictive. But with more people jumping in, we’re also seeing a rise in pickleball-related injuries — especially in weekend warriors and former athletes who still play like they’re in their prime.

Whether you’re playing for fun or chasing that next rally, knowing the most common injuries can help you stay in the game — not on the sidelines.

1️⃣ Twisted Ankles

Quick direction changes, awkward steps, or catching a ball underfoot can all lead to ankle sprains.
👉 Why it happens: Poor ankle stability, weak hip control, and lack of warm-up.
👉 Fix it: Train balance and mobility. Strengthen your calves and hips, and perform dynamic warm-ups before every game.

2️⃣ Shoulder Strains

Those overhead smashes and serves can come at a cost.
👉 Why it happens: Weak rotator cuff and poor shoulder blade control.
👉 Fix it: Add rotator cuff strengthening and thoracic mobility exercises. A sports performance PT can help you build power safely.

3️⃣ Wrist Pain

All that paddle action takes a toll on your wrists.
👉 Why it happens: Overuse, tight forearms, and weak grip strength.
👉 Fix it: Incorporate wrist mobility drills, grip strengthening, and recovery work between matches.

4️⃣ Knee Pain

Sudden stops, lunges, and pivots = a perfect storm for knee issues.
👉 Why it happens: Limited hip mobility, poor quad strength, and low load tolerance.
👉 Fix it: Focus on single-leg strength, hip stability, and proper mechanics during lunges and squats.

💪 How Physical Therapy Keeps You in the Game

At Corrective Physical Therapy, we bridge the gap between traditional PT and sports performance. Whether you’re a lifelong athlete or a weekend competitor, our team helps you move better, recover faster, and play stronger.

Our Scottsdale and Arcadia physical therapists use:

• Sports-specific mobility and flexibility training

• Strength and stability work tailored to your game

• Training for injury prevention and long-term performance

🎯 Don’t Let Pain Sideline You

Pickleball should be fun — not painful. If you’re dealing with a recent injury or recurring pain, we can help you get back on the court stronger than before.

👉 Book your evaluation today at our Scottsdale or Arcadia locations and stay in the game.