Pickleball Injuries NYC
Prevention, Diagnosis & Non-Surgical Treatment
Stay on the court without letting an injury take you out of the game. Advanced non-surgical sports medicine, biomechanical evaluation, and image-guided recovery by Dr. Sonali Lal, M.D.
Keep Playing the Game You Love With Non-Surgical Care
Pickleball may look easier on the body than tennis, but the quick movements, repetitive swings, sudden stops, pivots, and rapid changes of direction can place significant stress on your joints, muscles, and tendons.
As pickleball continues to grow in popularity, sports medicine physicians are seeing more players with injuries involving the knee, ankle, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, and back. Recent research has found that lower-extremity injuries are particularly common, while elbow, shoulder, wrist, and hand injuries also represent a significant portion of pickleball-related orthopedic problems.
I am Dr. Sonali Lal, M.D., a board-certified physiatrist with more than 20 years of experience treating sports injuries, musculoskeletal conditions, and orthopedic problems. As an Assistant Clinical Professor at Columbia University and an Attending Physician at NewYork–Presbyterian Hospital, I help athletes and active adults throughout New York City understand the cause of their injuries and develop individualized treatment plans.
My approach focuses on accurate diagnosis, rehabilitation, injury prevention, and non-surgical treatment whenever medically appropriate.
"Pickleball is a wonderful way to stay active, but pain should not become part of the game. My goal is to identify what's causing your injury and help you return to the court safely and confidently."
— Dr. Sonali Lal, M.D.
Why Does Pickleball Cause Injuries?
Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Although the court is smaller and the ball moves differently from a tennis ball, players still perform repetitive movements that can stress the musculoskeletal system.
Common Injury Mechanisms Include:
- Repetitive paddle swings
- Quick lateral movements
- Sudden stops and directional changes
- Rapid pivots and rotational twisting
- Deep lunging and overhead reaching
- Jumping and forceful overhead smashes
- Falling while moving backward
- Increasing playing frequency too quickly
Overuse vs. Traumatic Injury
Pickleball injuries generally fall into two categories: overuse injuries and acute traumatic injuries.
Sports medicine experts report problems ranging from chronic tendinopathy and muscle strains to fractures, ligament sprains, and acute tendon tears.
Common Pickleball Injuries in NYC Players
Detailed diagnostic evaluation and non-surgical management for court-related orthopedic conditions.
Pickleball Elbow
One of the most recognizable pickleball injuries is commonly called pickleball elbow, which is similar to tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis). Repeated gripping, wrist movement, and paddle swings irritate outer tendons.
Symptoms may include:
- Pain on the outside of the elbow
- Pain when gripping the paddle
- Weakness with lifting or twisting
- Pain with wrist extension
- Tenderness around the elbow joint
Simply resting for a few days may not solve a recurring tendon problem. Treatment addresses both irritated tissue and mechanics.
Shoulder Injuries
Pickleball requires repeated shoulder movement, particularly when serving, smashing, reaching, and hitting overhead shots.
Common shoulder problems include:
- Rotator cuff tendinopathy & tears
- Shoulder impingement
- Biceps tendon injuries
- Shoulder bursitis & arthritis
Recent research identifies rotator cuff injuries among major shoulder issues. Shoulder pain persisting after games shouldn't be dismissed as simple soreness.
Knee Injuries
The quick lateral movements and sudden direction changes place considerable stress on the knees. A large urban study found the knee was the most frequently affected lower-extremity site.
Common conditions include:
- Meniscus injuries
- Knee osteoarthritis aggravation
- Patellar tendinopathy
- Ligament sprains & Patellofemoral pain
Players with underlying arthritis may notice pickleball aggravates existing joint symptoms.
Ankle & Foot Injuries
The fast pace requires frequent side-to-side shifting. Falls and sudden shifts create significant ankle stress.
Possible conditions:
- Ankle sprains (acute or recurrent)
- Achilles tendinopathy or tears
- Plantar fasciitis & foot strains
- Tendon strains around the midfoot
Sports medicine guidance highlights increasing foot and ankle problems among court players.
Wrist & Hand Injuries
Your wrist and hand absorb repetitive forces every time you grip and swing the paddle.
Common issues:
- Wrist sprains & tendinitis
- Tendon overuse injuries
- Hand pain & carpal tunnel strain
- Fractures after backward falls
Falling onto an outstretched hand moving backward can result in significant wrist trauma.
Hip & Groin Injuries
Lunging and lateral movements place heavy demands on the hips and pelvis.
Conditions evaluated:
- Hip flexor & hamstring strains
- Gluteal tendinopathy & bursitis
- Hip joint pain & groin strains
Players often compensate for knee or ankle pain by altering stride, placing extra stress on the hip.
Back Pain From Pickleball
Repeated rotation, reaching, bending, and sudden movements can aggravate the lower back. Conditions include muscle strain, myofascial pain, facet joint irritation, disc-related conditions, and sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
If back pain travels into the buttock or leg, or is accompanied by numbness or weakness, a detailed neurological and spinal evaluation is necessary.
When Should You See a Pickleball Injury Specialist?
You don't necessarily need medical attention for every ache after playing. However, persistent or worsening symptoms shouldn't be ignored. Consider an evaluation if you experience:
- Pain that persists after playing
- Recurrent pain every time you return to the court
- Swelling or significant bruising around a joint
- Joint instability or feeling that a knee/ankle gives out
- Reduced range of motion or joint stiffness
- Muscle or joint weakness
- Clicking, catching, or locking sensations
- Difficulty walking or bearing weight
- Pain that alters your playing mechanics
- Pain that continues to worsen despite rest
Your Pickleball Injury Evaluation
I don't treat every pickleball injury the same way. Your evaluation begins with understanding how the injury happened, how frequently you play, playing history, recent schedule increases, previous injuries, exercise routine, and specific functional goals.
I then perform a detailed musculoskeletal examination, which may include:
- Range-of-motion testing
- Strength testing
- Joint stability assessment
- Functional movement assessment
- Review of MRI or X-rays
- Diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound
The goal is to determine exactly which anatomical structure is causing your symptoms.
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound for Pickleball Injuries
Many pickleball injuries involve tendons and soft tissues that can be evaluated dynamically right in the office with musculoskeletal ultrasound. Ultrasound visualizes:
For conditions such as tennis elbow, rotator cuff problems, Achilles tendinopathy, and soft-tissue sprains, having an accurate real-time understanding of the tissue guides optimal treatment.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Whenever medically appropriate, my goal is to treat pickleball injuries without unnecessary surgery. Depending on your diagnosis, options include:
- Activity Modification: Modifying aggravating movements while maintaining fitness.
- Physical Therapy: Restoring strength, mobility, balance, and coordination.
- Targeted Exercises: Strengthening shoulder, core, hips, glutes, or calves.
- Image-Guided Injections: Pinpoint placement for joint or tendon inflammation.
- PRP Therapy: Platelet-Rich Plasma for selected tendon and ligament disorders.
- Regenerative Orthopedics: Procedures like BMAC considered for selected conditions.
Preventing Pickleball Injuries
One of the best ways to stay on the court is to prepare your body for the physical demands of the sport.
1. Warm Up Before Playing
Start with dynamic movements rather than playing at full intensity. Include brisk walking, light jogging, arm circles, controlled lunges, and dynamic leg swings.
2. Increase Play Time Gradually
Avoid going from occasional games to playing several times a week without adapting. Increase court frequency and intensity progressively.
3. Strengthen Supporting Muscles
Strength training prepares your legs, glutes, core, shoulders, forearms, and calves for rapid directional shifts and paddle impacts.
4. Work on Balance
Balance and lower-extremity control become critical when moving quickly side-to-side or reaching for low kitchen shots.
5. Use Appropriate Footwear
Running shoes lack lateral support. Proper court footwear provides traction and lateral ankle stability required for court sports.
6. Don't Ignore Persistent Pain
A minor ache can become a chronic injury when repeatedly loaded without addressing underlying biomechanical strain.
Pickleball Injury Care for NYC Players
New York City has a growing community of recreational athletes who want to stay active while balancing demanding careers and busy schedules.
I treat active adults from court communities throughout NYC, including: Upper West Side, Upper East Side, Midtown, Chelsea, Harlem, Tribeca, SoHo, Financial District, Williamsburg, Downtown Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens.
Whether you're a beginner who recently discovered pickleball or an experienced player in tournaments, the goal is the same: keep you active while protecting your long-term joint health.
Why Choose Dr. Sonali Lal?
- Board-Certified Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Physician
- Assistant Clinical Professor at Columbia University
- Attending Physician at NewYork–Presbyterian Hospital
- More than 20 years of clinical experience
- Castle Connolly Best Doctors Recognition
- Recognition as a Best Woman in Medicine
- Published author in regenerative and interventional orthopedics
- Contributor to the Atlas of Interventional Orthopedics (Author of chapter on Intraosseous Injections)
"My goal is to help you understand your injury, recover appropriately, and return to the court with a strategy that supports both your immediate recovery and long-term joint health."
— Dr. Sonali Lal, M.D.Patient Testimonials & Videos
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Questions About Pickleball Injuries in NYC
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