There is no doubt that pickleball is a fun sport, yet sometimes it may lead to a displeasing effect known as lateral epicondylitis, more commonly called Tennis elbow. Though this condition may affect people in all sports, pickleball players are more prone to suffer from this condition as they require to move their wrists a lot.
The overuse of the writs or an aggressive shot during an action game might result in this painful condition. The main causes of Tennis elbow are
- Repetitive strenuous arm activity
- Overusing forearm
- Tiny tears in muscle during a workout or game
- Muscle inflammation
If you are experiencing pain in your arm after playing pickleball, the problem then you’re probably suffering from is Lateral Epicondylitis. It is mostly known as pickleball elbow or tennis elbow. Most pickleball players suffer from tennis elbow and which is one of the major injuries that most pickleball players experience.
Small micro-tears are formed in your elbow’s tendons, the leading cause of this condition is playing with improper stance or form when hitting the ball or overuse of forearm muscles without a warm-up before the match during training sessions. Improper repetitive movements and hitting extreme backhanded shots or dink with the wrong form are major causes of pickleball elbow.
As we already know pickleball is similar to tennis in some aspects that are the reason which causes Pickleball elbow” injuries appear identical to tennis elbow. Pickleball causes a tremendous amount of pain when the elbow is overused while playing without warm-up or just overusing a particular muscle for hours.
Repeated motions like swings and drinks with a pickleball paddle will continue to put stress on the elbow over time. A pickleball will never ever play pickleball would never play without warm-up and without improper form while training or even in tournaments as it makes you at a higher chance of risking a potentially significant pickleball injury, as poor form can lead to small tears in the elbow’s tendons.
Pickleball Elbow Vs Tennis Elbow
Pickleball elbow and tennis elbow are mostly misunderstood as the same thing, but if you dive deep both of them are actually quite different from each other.
Pickleball elbow can cause irritable redness and soreness near or around the elbow. A patient may suffer from severe pain and stiffness that will continually increase and become worse with quick sudden movements.
Pickleball Elbow and tennis elbow are similar in a way that both cause intense pain as both of them occur on the outside of the elbow and will continue to move down your forearm and then to the wrist. Pickleball elbow and tennis elbow both of these injuries involve the movement of the same muscles known as the wrist extensor muscle group.
If you’re a pickleball player and are suffering from continuous pain on the outside of your elbow, then it’s a very clear sign that you are suffering from a case of Lateral Epicondylalgia most commonly known as “Tennis Elbow” but, if you’re a professional pickleball player, you can call it “Pickleball Elbow.”
Because of the similarity between the two, Tennis Elbow is the most popular term used by physicians to describe lateral elbow pain. Another term used for elbow medial elbow pain is Golfer’s elbow. Muscles involved in a Golfers Elbow are wrist extensor muscles and wrist flexor.
The diagnosis of Pickleball elbow or lateral epicondylitis depends on the history of the patient and the amount of time a patient has had it. The length of time a patient had this injury also shows that there is an acute “inflammatory response” in the area of injury.
If you want to play pickleball before you play pickleball you must know about the rules of pickleball.
Major Symptoms of Pickleball Elbow
Pickleball Elbow makes a player irritated by causing discomfort and pain, which can drastically worsen over time if remained untreated for a longer period of time. The major symptoms of Pickleball Elbow include:
- Weakness and soreness in the forearm and/or elbow area.
- Burning pain or sharp pain on the outside of the elbow.
- Elbow stiffness.
- Minimized range of motion.
- Pain when lifting and gripping
- Point tenderness on the lateral side of the elbow
If you are suffering from tennis elbow then you will usually experience pain on the outside of the elbow, which may travel down the forearm when lifting or bending your arm. When gripping small objects, such as a pen you will feel pain and pressure.
Causes of a Pickleball Elbow Injury
If you are overworking to increase the demand for a particular muscle group beyond its capacity, then an injury will likely occur.
The first thing to consider is to know how often you play pickleball and for how much time. The more often you play it the more it will increase your volume of paddle swings.
If you suddenly increase your level from playing 2 days per week up to 5 days a week, then you are asking your body to sustain a greater load than it can handle.
Some expert tips like Pickleball gear, or its equipment, especially your Pickleball paddle will also influence the strain on your elbow.
A pickleball paddle specifically designed to minimize the chances of getting strained is best for players with tennis elbows to continue their game.
Whatever the situation is, it is quite despairing for players to avoid their favorite sport. Thankfully, sports types of equipment manufacturers have designed the best and most practical pickleball paddles that make this sport both strain free and enjoyable.
HEAD Fiberglass Pickleball Paddle
Quality features
Pros
Cons
The specially formulated PU material of the HEAD Fiberglass Pickleball paddle makes it the best pickleball paddle for tennis elbow. It has been inlaid into the new Ergo Grip that dampens vibration for ultimate comfort and playability by creating a softer feel. This feature reduces the chances of straining and saves players from getting tennis elbows.
The Radical Pro is the right choice for you and if you are looking for the ultimate and the best pickleball paddle for arm pain then you are at the right product.
Radical Pro is for great control and power, combining HEADs, a comfortable grip, and a thicker OTC honeycomb polymer core to give you even more pop, power, control, and feel.
It also incorporates a fiberglass hitting surface with Extreme Spin Technology to specially formulated PU material that has been inlaid into the new Ergo Grip creating ultimate comfort and playability with a softer feel.
Main specifications
| Item Dimensions L x W x H | 16 x 8.5 x 2 inches |
| Frame Material | Graphite |
| Color | Teal |
| Reviews | 4.5 out of 5 stars |
ONIX Graphite Z5 Graphite Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle
Quality features
Pros
Cons
The Onix Graphite Z5 is the best pickleball paddle for tennis elbow with outstanding touch and great ball control.
The Nomex core and graphite face give players a superior feel of the ball, and with a total paddle weight of 7.5-8.2 ounces, the Z5 strikes a perfect balance between speed and power.
The Widebody shape on the Z5 is perfect for both beginner at advanced level players with its large sweet spot.
Due to its lightweight, the paddle is perfect for any player that is striving for amazing ball control of a Nomex paddle in a medium-weight graphite paddle. The racquet is a perfect medium weight of 7.5-8.2 lbs making it the best pickleball paddle for shoulder pain.
The pickleball paddle is approved by USAPA, deeming it perfect and acceptable for all official tournament play.
Main specifications
| Item Dimensions L x W x H | 18 x 11 x 3 inches |
| Frame Material | Carbon Fiber |
| Color | Blue |
| Reviews | 4.6 out of 5 stars |
PROKENNEX Pro Speed II Pickleball Paddle
Quality features
Pros
Cons
PRO KENNEX Pro Speed is engineered for maneuverability with wind-resistant edgeless construction and thin core technology, the paddle is lightning in your hand making it the best pickleball paddle for arm pain. The paddle boasts unparalleled tip speed with its reflexive enhancement and quickness.
With the Kinetic shock absorbing system, kitchen play, feel, and touch is all enhanced bringing the best of both worlds to the Pro Speed Gen 2.
Main specifications
| Number of Items | One |
| Brand Name | PROKENNEX |
| Color | Green |
| Reviews | 4.7 out of 5 stars |
PROKENNEX Pro Flight Pickleball Paddle
Quality features
Pros
Cons
PROKENNEX Pro Flight Pickleball Paddle is the best pickleball paddle for tennis elbow as it eliminates harmful shock and vibration with Proprietary Kinetic technology thus reducing soreness and fatigue in the wrist, elbow, and shoulder and minimizing the risk of injury to the arm.
New Cloud Core technology reduces the paddle’s weight due to wider spacing in the honeycomb design adding power and strength to your swings and it is the best pickleball paddle for shoulder pain.
Proprietary Diamond Frost micro-texture coating allows for increased grit exposure upon ball contact for an optimal spin.
Main specifications
| Paddle Frame | Kinetic System Technology |
| Weight | 7.3 – 7.6 |
| Color | Blue |
| Reviews | 4.6 out of 5 stars |
SLK by Selkirk Pickleball Paddles
Quality features
Pros
Cons
Created by the pioneers of today’s Pickleball paddle technology, SLK by Selkirk is the best pickleball paddle for tennis elbow combining the latest developments in paddle technology with comfort, support, balance, and affordability.
It is the best pickleball paddle for tennis elbow as it combines a 4.25″ grip circumference and 5.25″ length. SLK Pickleball paddles use Ultra-Comfort Grip material for comfort, absorbing both perspiration and impacts as they travel from the paddle face to the hand of the player, allowing you to play without fatigue, stress, and strain after long gameplay intervals.
SLK by Selkirk Pickleball Paddles are designed using exclusive honeycomb core technology to yield a large sweet spot for constant speed while absorbing the hit and softening the feel which makes it the best pickleball paddle to reduce vibration.
Main specifications
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 16 x 2.3 x 7.8 inches |
| 1.1 Pounds | 1.1 Pounds |
| Shaft Material | Graphite |
| Reviews | 4.6 out of 5 stars |
HEAD Cyber Elite Pickleball Paddle
Quality features
Pros
Cons
The HEAD Cyber Elite Pickleball Paddles is a great pickleball paddle for tennis elbow featuring the Dynamic Power Shape for a larger sweet spot and a thicker OTC honeycomb core for great playability.
With a fresh cosmetic and fiberglass surface which is both durable and lightweight to prevent wrist and arm injuries. The Cyber Elite will provide you with the power and playability you are looking for.
Main specifications
| Brand name | Head |
| Frame Material | Graphite |
| Color | Black/White |
| Reviews | 4.6 out of 5 stars |
TICCI Pickleball Paddle
Quality features
Pros
Cons
It is the best pickleball paddle to reduce vibration asTICCI pickleball paddle uses advance advanced polypropylene honeycomb technology to reduce the amplitude & vibrations and enhance the paddle’s strength.
The grip of the pickleball paddle is extremely easy to hold due to its Cushioned Non-Slip Design.
The professional ergonomic grip help reduce pressure on the wrist and gives more power when swinging it and so it has become the best pickleball paddle for tennis elbow.
The ergonomic grip of the TICCI Pickleball Paddle makes the pickleball paddle easy and comfortable to hold, good for sweat absorbent, and works well in the game. It also improves balance while decreasing slipping.
Main specifications
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 15.5 x 7.9 x 0.6 inches |
| Brand name | T TICCI |
| Color | Gorgeous Kit |
| Reviews | 4.7 out of 5 stars |
Franklin Sports Pro Pickleball Paddles
Quality features
Pros
Cons
This polypropylene core of Franklin Sports Pro pickleball is a paddle designed for high performance and is lightweight to reduce tennis elbow problems.
It has a great carbon fiber surface layer and the natural texture of the carbon fiber increases traction on the pickleball for an ultimate spin and finesse shots without sacrificing pop and power.
The one-piece, solid polypropylene core provides a strong, durable construction that is built to last and is the best pickleball paddle for shoulder pain as it only weighs from 7.9-8.3 ounces to prevent injuries.
This lightweight pickleball paddle is also constructed with a non-slip, comfortable grip that makes it easy to control on the court which lowers the risks of a wrist injury.
Main specifications
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 16.45 x 7.5 x 0.8 inches |
| Material | Polyurethane |
| Package Weight | 0.29 Kilograms |
| Reviews | 4.7 out of 5 stars |
How to prevent Pickleball Tennis Elbow
The most common injuries while playing any racket sport occur on the knee, wrists, elbow, rotator cuff, or sprains and strains of the ankle. Most racquet sports injuries are caused because of hard griping, overuse or overloading at the shoulder, and twisting of the wrist or elbow of the dominant arm.
Why do sports injury happens?
Every tennis or pickleball player uses many muscle groups during the game but as compared to the average person they use the muscles that revolve around the elbow more in some cases due to overuse the tendons that join the muscles on the forearm can suffer from inflammation. Commonly known as “tennis elbow” in medical terms it is called as “lateral epicondylitis”. In pickleball, it is considered calling as “pickleball elbow”
Lateral Epicondylitis
Pickleball players may suffer from an injury which is called Lateral Epicondylitis or commonly known as Tennis Elbow injury. It is generally caused by overuse of playing or tight holding of a paddle. If a player grips the paddle too tightly, it produces more stress on the tendons that connect his forearm muscles to his elbow which cause the tendons to get small tears causing a painful condition of elbow.
Players usually suffer from this condition while playing any type of racquet sports, such as badminton, pickleball, tennis, or squash.
In tennis elbow that occurs during pickleball, the injury results in straining the muscles and tendons that a player uses to grip a pickleball paddle.
In lateral Epicondylitis a person suffers severe pain around the outside of the elbow.
Athletes aren’t the only people who suffer from tennis elbow. People like plumbers, butcher, carpenters and painters whose job features tight gripping can lead to the tennis elbow.
Tennis elbow is one of the common conditions for athletes which can also be easily treated. But doing nothing is not the best decision as it does not resolve itself if the affected person continues to do all the same things with the same careless frequency and with the same holding techniques.
In order to get away from this pain the decision to put away the pickleball paddle is tough. It might solve the whole problem but still tough and impossible for most Pickleball players.
Well in the case of Pickleball players have an easier choice like shop for the best pickleball paddle for tennis elbow can solve this issue.
Pickleball players have a combination of strategies which they used to eliminate the tennis elbow and further take steps to prevent tennis elbow from coming back.
There are lots of recommendations and considerations before they go out to shop for pickleball paddle for tennis elbow.
Symptoms of tennis elbow in pickleball
Similar to Tennis elbow (medical terms referred as Lateral Epicondylitis) pickleball elbow complaint can be caused by overuse of the forearm muscles due to aggressive game. Following are the most common symptom of Pickleball elbow
- Pain and inflammation
- Swelling and tenderness on the outside of the elbow
It’s a painful condition in which the tendons that join the forearm muscles on the outside of the elbow get swollen.
If patients have history of tennis elbow, he can recognize the pain that comes from the area on the lateral side (outside) of his elbow.
Cause for pickleball elbow
There are many reasons which cause pickleball elbow, some of them are as following
Overuse
One of the most common reasons of tennis elbow in pickleball is “overuse”. The tendons and muscles around an elbow can easily become inflamed even if they’re performing a same pattern of singular motion.
In the case of pickleball, it has been observed that the overuse of the wrist cause tennis elbow.
It also important to do a proper warm-up and stretching before playing pickleball. 5-10 minutes to warm up before game and little break also help against pickleball elbow.
Age limitations
Playing pickleball doesn’t require any age limitations as it can’t completely be rejected. It is a fact that older age people suffer from many health issues if they suffer from pickleball elbow for once it really hard and sometimes completely impossible for them to get on the play ground.
While it also been notice that people of around age 30 to 50 can easily affect by tennis elbow.
Many experienced former tennis or squash player who shifted towards pickleball also experienced shoulder and arm pain. To avoid pickleball elbow now they prefer to use a specific design pickleball paddle for arm and shoulder pain.
Using Pickleball Gloves
Most of the people who play pickleball regularly don’t prefer to wear a specific pickleball glove. Most of former ex-tennis players are observed not getting any problem regarding pickleball elbow.
This is because they use pickleball gloves while playing pickleball. As we know overusing of a particular wrist is extremely risky and can easily lead towards pickleball elbow. It is really important to use pickleball gloves as it acts as a protective covering for the player’s hand.
Limitation of shoulder and wrist action.
In Pickleball paddle hitting technique put direct and regular pressure on “wrist “which can easily cause pain and inflammation end up in pickleball elbow.
One of the best ways to prevent pickleball elbow from affecting any person is to take care of own body. Our body is like a 24/7-hour work machine which also required some rest and limitations.
If a player is suffering from tennis elbow, he must take some rest after each game or can skip a training session if he feels more pressure on his shoulder and wrist.
It is suggested by the therapist not to put a regular pressure and stress to the inflamed shoulder and wrist.
Do regular exercises
Performing regular pickleball elbow exercises will also help players against pickleball elbow.
It’s suggested for the person who is suffering from tennis elbow to avoid dealing with heavy weight lifting, not to put stress and pressure to inflamed muscle.
What makes the situation better?
If a person keeps on playing pickleball with the wrong technique and paddle, then after a while, it may bring back the tennis elbow problem again. Therefore, keep in mind the following tips to end the problem once and for all!
Pickleball paddle grip style and Paddle Weight
Mostly we observed a lot of pickleball players depending too much on their wrist and shoulder muscles to achieve power. The muscles and tendons around the elbow can quite easily become inflamed. Tendon inflammation can be pretty painful to deal with often leads towards pickleball elbow
If a player is suffering from tennis elbow, he must consider using lighter or mid weight paddle. Moreover, he should make sure that his paddle “fits” must fit with his hand, the size of player grip and his paddle weight are the most important factors dealing with pickleball elbow Tight and over griping of the paddle always welcome pickleball elbow. A small change in grip size of at least 0.25 inches required less pressure on shoulder and arm, is considered an approved grip.
This is also a reason player must have to choose best pickleball paddle for arm and shoulder pain
The most desirable and best solution for pickleball elbow is to use a mid-weight paddle. The weight of the paddle is key when it comes to dealing with pickleball elbow
There are varies Different paddles of different weight but the ideal weight range would be around 7.3 – 8.4 ounces. Middleweight paddles provide good balance with stable strength and mobility. The player doesn’t require a lot of power and strength for a shot which also does not put stress on players muscles and tendons hence preventing from getting pickleball tennis elbow
Pickleball Paddle Designed for Tennis Elbows
Many of us know the name” Pro kennex” because Pro Kennex manufactures tennis rackets and other racquetball equipment. They also solve pickleball elbow problem by designing a “Pro Kennex Kinetic Pro Speed Pickleball Paddle “Pro Kennex are the first paddle specifically designed for the people suffering from pickleball elbow.
It is a complete package as people of all ages or people who are prohibited to enjoy pickleball can easily play pickleball by using such paddles.
This company’s Prokennex introduced Kinetic technology which has been used in other rackets to reduce vibration for many years. Such paddles are designed to have chambers including small beads inside that can be called as “micro-bearings “which absorb shock and vibration when a player hits the ball reducing pressure of torque and vibration which reaches to player arm and elbow joint.
Precautions for Tennis elbow in pickleball
Pain and inflammation can be quite severe, even worsen, and take a lot of time to heal. In most cases patients are recommend
- To avoid aggressive game
- Use lighter or middleweight paddle
- Change their paddle holding and gripping techniques.
In pickleball, in order to provide a challenging and aggressive game players hold their grip on the paddle really tight which leads toward tennis elbow in pickleball.
Mostly to avoid such situations doctors recommend to use lighter weight paddles. The weight of the paddle is key when it comes to dealing with pickleball elbow.
Sometimes even using a lightweight paddle that don’t go well with pickleball elbow as the player is required a lot of power to swing the paddle harder. So, he hit the ball hard with a light paddle but with great power which increases pressure shock and stress to his elbow joint that increases pain in his whole arm or even in his shoulder. For such reasons player must required the best pickleball paddle for arm and shoulder pain.
During pickleball games hitting the ball again and again causes vibration stress on the commanding shoulder that also affects the elbow and wrist muscles. So, when a player continues and repeatedly plays pickleball, tennis elbow can come back. Depending on the such stage inflammation and pain can be quite severe for some patients.
Therefore, to avoid any discomfort, take these precautions seriously and use the right action style and the paddles specifically designed to prevent tennis elbow. That’s the only way to hook you up with this game for longer and in a better way.
FAQs
Can I play pickleball with tennis elbow?
Yes, it is possible to play pickleball with tennis elbow however you should use a middleweight paddle ranging from 7.3 to 8.4 ounces because it is light for your arm and improves stability.
What pickleball paddles are best for Tennis Elbow?
PROKENNEX Pro Flight Pickleball Paddle is best paddle for tennis elbows as they alleviate pain of the arm.
How do you prevent Tennis Elbow in pickleball?
Minimizing intense wrist swinging and stretching before playing can prove to be helpful in preventing tennis elbow in pickleball.
Which pickleball paddle has the least vibration?
Pro KENNEX pickleball paddle is the best choice as it has the least vibration.
Is a heavier or lighter pickleball paddle better?
Lightweight pickleball paddles are often prefer over heavier one as they help to get accurate shots.
Which pickleball paddle has the least vibration?
Pickleball is a new and modern sport that is why the most experienced players are still trying to figure out best techniques during play.
Pro Kennex pickleball paddles with the least vibration are considered the best choice for players with tennis elbow.
Which pickleball paddle is better? Graphite paddle or Fibreglass paddle?
Like cricket is nothing without a bat, pickleball is nothing without a paddle. There are many types of paddles out there, but still, it plays own choice which type of paddle he requires for himself.
Graphite paddles are more expensive than fibreglass paddle. Graphite paddles are much easier to manage as compared to fibreglass paddle which are slightly heavier.
It has also been observed that professional and experienced players are more interested to play with graphite ones because the paddles are rigid and lighter in weight allowing faster response with more control on the ball’s spin
Fibreglass has a rough surface that can make the ball spin so quickly they are easy to handle and precise to shoot. Moreover, fibreglass paddles are budget friendly.
A beginner or a casual player can easily afford a fibreglass paddle.
Fibreglass paddle is most recommended to pickleball elbow as it’s lighter in weight and cheaper.
Can we prevent Tennis Elbows in pickleball?
If a player has any issue regarding tennis elbow, he should consider playing with a paddle which is considered as the best pickleball paddle for arm and shoulder pain.
Tennis elbow in pickleball or any other racket sport can be avoided by doing proper warm-up stretching and with a little bit of exercise that tones the arm and shoulder muscles of the player.
