Pickleball elbow is the most commonly reported overuse injury in the sport — it's the same condition as tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), causing pain and inflammation on the outer part of the elbow due to repetitive strain on the forearm extensor tendons that attach there. It develops gradually from the repeated paddle-swing motion used throughout every match.
Pickleball elbow develops from repeated strain on the tendons that connect your forearm extensor muscles to the bony bump on the outside of your elbow (the lateral epicondyle). Several common technique issues accelerate this strain:
Pickleball elbow is highly treatable in its early stages but can become chronic and significantly harder to resolve if ignored and played through repeatedly. Address symptoms early rather than waiting for them to worsen.
Yes — they are the identical medical condition, lateral epicondylitis. The name simply reflects which sport triggered the injury. The underlying cause, symptoms, and treatment are the same regardless of the sport involved.
Mild cases addressed early with rest, ice, and technique correction often improve within a few weeks. More established or chronic cases can take several months of consistent rehabilitation, particularly if play continues without addressing the underlying technique issue causing it.
Yes — a lighter paddle, a larger grip size, or a paddle with a softer face can reduce the shock transmitted to your elbow with each shot. Adding an overgrip can also help reduce the grip pressure needed to control the paddle securely.
Questions about pickleball and your health? Email [email protected].