What Is Pickleball Elbow?
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. Lafayette and Abbeville have felt that growth firsthand. More people pick up a paddle every year. That growth brings a new wave of injuries, and elbow pain is one of the most common complaints among local players.
“Pickleball elbow” isn’t an official medical term. It’s a nickname for tendon pain. The pain comes from the sport’s quick swings and repeated gripping, and it usually shows up on the outside or inside of the elbow, right where the forearm muscles attach.
Why Is Pickleball Elbow Becoming So Common?
Pickleball has grown fast nationwide. Play has jumped 311% since 2021, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association. That growth means more players, more games, and more strain on the body. Many new players also jump in without much warm-up, which can raise the risk of injury.
Tendon injuries like pickleball elbow show up most in players in their 40s, 50s, and 60s, according to Mayo Clinic Press. This age group makes up a large share of pickleball players in Acadiana. Older tendons often take longer to heal, which makes prevention and early treatment even more important.
Symptoms of Pickleball Elbow
You may notice pain on the outside or inside of the elbow. Weak grip strength is common too. Some players feel soreness that gets worse during or after play, while others notice stiffness the next morning.
- Pain on the outside or inside of the elbow
- Weak grip strength when holding the paddle
- Soreness that worsens during or after play
- Stiffness the morning after a match
- Discomfort with everyday gripping or lifting
Is Pickleball Elbow the Same as Tennis Elbow?
Three conditions are closely related: tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, and pickleball elbow. Tennis elbow causes pain on the outside of the elbow. Golfer’s elbow causes pain on the inside. Pickleball elbow can cause either pattern, depending on your swing and grip.
A proper check-up finds the real cause of your pain. That helps your plan target the right tendons for a full recovery. Learn more about how we approach tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, and pickleball elbow at UnLock Physical Therapy.
How Physical Therapy Treats Pickleball Elbow
The good news: physical therapy can help. A physical therapist finds out exactly which tendons are affected. Then we build a plan around your symptoms, activity level, and goals.
Care may include hands-on therapy, targeted exercises, and dry needling. It may also include shockwave therapy for stubborn cases. Our Lafayette and Abbeville team sees this injury often, as more local players take up the sport.
Tips to Prevent Pickleball Elbow
A few simple habits can lower your risk:
- Warm up before you play
- Use a paddle grip size that fits your hand
- Take breaks between games
- Build up your playing time slowly if you’re new to the sport
- Address soreness early instead of playing through it
When to See a Physical Therapist
See a physical therapist if your elbow pain does not improve after a few days of rest. Also get checked if the pain limits your grip or keeps you off the court.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does pickleball elbow take to heal?
Recovery time varies based on how long you’ve had symptoms and how severe they are. Many patients see improvement within a few weeks of starting physical therapy. More stubborn cases can take longer.
Can I keep playing pickleball while treating elbow pain?
It depends on how bad your pain is. A physical therapy evaluation can help you understand what activity changes, if any, you need while you heal.
Do I need a referral to see a physical therapist for pickleball elbow?
In many cases, you can schedule an evaluation directly. Insurance requirements may vary depending on your specific plan.
Dealing With Pickleball Elbow?
Don’t let elbow pain keep you off the court. Schedule a personalized evaluation at our Lafayette or Abbeville location and get back to the game you love with confidence.