Overuse Injuries and Epicondylalgia in Recreational Pickleball Players

Betsy Myers; June Hanks

Betsy Myers University of Tennessee at Chattanooga https://orcid.org/0009-0009-9923-2744
June Hanks University of Tennessee at Chattanooga https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5353-363X

Keywords: pickleball, racket sports, overuse injury, chronic injury, epicondylalgia

Abstract

Little is known regarding pickleball-related overuse injuries. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of overuse injuries in recreational pickleball players. Given the high frequency of elbow overuse injuries in other racket sports, this study also sought to determine the relationship between epicondylalgia in pickleball players, player characteristics, and various playing variables. A web-based survey was distributed to a convenience sample of recreational pickleball players. Of the 128 participants (70 females, 58 males) who completed the survey, 28% reported at least one overuse injury. Most did not seek medical interventions and reported no time lost from play. Overuse injuries were significantly associated with higher playing volume, lower level of play, and playing in pickleball tournaments. Epicondylalgia was the most common overuse pickleball-related injury amongst recreational pickleball players. Females and those who participated in pickleball tournaments were more likely to report a history of lateral epicondylalgia. Medial epicondylalgia was not significantly associated with any variable. Overuse injuries amongst pickleball players are common, yet most did not seek medical attention. Epicondylalgia was the most common overuse injury. Epicondylalgia was not a time loss overuse injury, yet the effect on pickleball player’s playing abilities unknown. Education on common overuse injuries, the impact of playing volume, and the importance of proper technique may maximize symptom-free pickleball participation.

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