{"Status":true,"Message":"","Response":{"post":{"postuid":"e2df1bd3-2795-48a3-ac2d-10dfd5bf3709","tenantuid":"45a0010e-ec76-43e9-9914-4376bfa80903","projectuid":"4025e8c9-71ea-4557-850d-662c78598919","title":"How Do You Treat Pickleball Elbow?","slug":"article/how-do-you-treat-pickleball-elbow","html":"\u003Cp\u003ETreating pickleball elbow in its early stages typically involves rest, ice, activity modification, technique correction, and targeted physical therapy exercises. Most cases respond well to conservative treatment, though chronic or severe cases may require additional medical intervention.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\u0022stepbystep_treatment_approach\u0022\u003EStep-by-Step Treatment Approach\u003C/h2\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003ERest:\u003C/b\u003E Reduce or pause pickleball play during an acute flare-up. Continuing to play through significant pain typically prolongs recovery and can worsen the underlying tendon damage.\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EIce:\u003C/b\u003E Apply ice to the outer elbow for 15\u201320 minutes after activity or when symptomatic, to help reduce inflammation.\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003ETechnique correction:\u003C/b\u003E Work with a coach or experienced player to address grip pressure, swing mechanics, and whether you\u0027re relying too heavily on wrist snap rather than full-body rotation.\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EEquipment adjustment:\u003C/b\u003E A lighter paddle, larger grip size, or softer paddle face can reduce the impact transmitted to your elbow. An overgrip can also help reduce how tightly you need to grip the handle.\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EPhysical therapy:\u003C/b\u003E Eccentric forearm strengthening exercises, guided by a physical therapist, have strong evidence supporting their effectiveness for lateral epicondylitis recovery.\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EAnti-inflammatory measures:\u003C/b\u003E Over-the-counter NSAIDs, used as directed, can help manage inflammation and discomfort in the short term.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Ccite class=\u0022recommended\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022title\u0022\u003ENote\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESee a doctor or sports medicine professional if symptoms persist beyond a few weeks despite rest and conservative treatment, if the pain is severe, or if you notice weakness or numbness extending into the hand. Chronic cases that don\u0027t respond to conservative care may benefit from additional interventions such as corticosteroid injection or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy.\u003C/p\u003E\u003C/cite\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\u0022returning_to_play\u0022\u003EReturning to Play\u003C/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOnce pain has subsided, return to pickleball gradually rather than jumping straight back into full-intensity play. Start with shorter sessions, focus on corrected technique from the outset, and monitor for any return of symptoms. Players who return too quickly or without addressing the underlying mechanical cause often experience a recurrence.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Chr\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\u0022frequently_asked_questions\u0022\u003EFrequently Asked Questions\u003C/h2\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u0022can_i_keep_playing_pickleball_with_mild_elbow_pain\u0022\u003ECan I keep playing pickleball with mild elbow pain?\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMild, occasional discomfort that resolves quickly may not require a full stop, but persistent or worsening pain is a signal to rest and address the issue. Playing through worsening pain typically delays recovery and risks turning an acute issue into a chronic one.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u0022what_exercises_help_pickleball_elbow_specifically\u0022\u003EWhat exercises help pickleball elbow specifically?\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEccentric wrist extensor exercises \u2014 slowly lowering a light weight through wrist extension \u2014 have strong research support for lateral epicondylitis recovery. A physical therapist can guide proper form and progression for these exercises based on your specific severity.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Chr\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\u0022related_articles\u0022\u003ERelated Articles\u003C/h2\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://pickleball.com/docs/en/article/what-is-pickleball-elbow\u0022\u003EWhat Is Pickleball Elbow?\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://pickleball.com/docs/en/article/how-do-you-prevent-pickleball-injuries\u0022\u003EHow Do You Prevent Pickleball Injuries?\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://pickleball.com/docs/en/article/pickleball-health-fitness-injury-prevention-guide\u0022\u003EPickleball Health, Fitness \u0026amp; Injury Prevention Guide\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Chr\u003E\u003Cp\u003EQuestions about pickleball and your health? Email \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:support@pickleball.com\u0022\u003Esupport@pickleball.com\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E","publish_status":0,"post_type":"Article","authoruid":"42b786ed-5ff2-467c-9593-d828908ee6d2","author":{"authoruid":"42b786ed-5ff2-467c-9593-d828908ee6d2","name":"Christy Cook","url":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/christy-cook-texas/","photo_url":"https://graffiti-auf7e6dwhxhcbwek.z03.azurefd.net/45a0010e-ec76-43e9-9914-4376bfa80903/4025e8c9-71ea-4557-850d-662c78598919/4fd2cf59-047a-4a00-8a6d-2d9c6c9f91fe.jpg?v=1114665229","linkedin_url":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/christy-cook-texas/"},"featured_image_updating":false,"meta_description":"Effective early treatment for pickleball elbow includes rest, ice, technique fixes, physical therapy, and gradual return to play to prevent recurrence.","keywords":"pickleball elbow;rest;ice;technique correction;equipment adjustment;physical therapy;eccentric forearm strengthening;anti-inflammatory measures;return to play;chronic cases","display_toc":true,"has_workingcopy":false,"allow_indexing":true,"total_views":8,"date_stale":"2026-12-31T00:00:00","date_published":"2026-06-30T09:49:57.563","date_updated":"2026-06-30T09:49:57.573","date_created":"2026-06-30T09:37:18.157"}}}