Why Pickleball Players Keep Getting Hurt
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in North America — and for good reason. It's accessible, social, and easier on the joints than tennis. But that doesn't mean players are immune to setbacks. As participation surges, so do the number of pickleball injuries showing up on courts and in recovery rooms across the country.
Whether you're a weekend warrior or a competitive player, understanding the most common injuries in pickleball — and having a smart, consistent recovery routine — can keep you in the game longer. For many players, CBD-infused kinesiology tape has become an important part of that routine.
The Most Common Pickleball Injuries
Pickleball Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
If you've heard of tennis elbow, pickleball elbow is its close cousin. This overuse injury causes discomfort on the outer side of the elbow, where the forearm tendons attach. Repetitive swinging motions — especially the dinking and volleying central to pickleball — put consistent stress on these tendons over time.
Pickleball elbow is particularly common among players who are new to the sport or who increase their playing frequency too quickly. Proper warm-up, technique adjustments, and supportive tools like kinesiology tape can help keep the area stable during play.
Wrist Strains
The wrist takes on significant load in pickleball, especially during serves, overheads, and those quick reflex volleys at the kitchen line. Sudden impacts or awkward contact with the ball can lead to wrist strains — micro-tears in the soft tissue that cause swelling and tenderness.
Wrist strains are among the most frequently reported pickleball injuries in seniors and newer players who haven't yet built grip strength and forearm endurance.
Ankle Sprains
Quick lateral movements are a fundamental part of pickleball strategy. But those side-to-side cuts, especially on hard indoor courts, significantly increase the risk of ankle sprains. An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments are stretched or torn, typically when the foot rolls inward during a sudden change of direction.
Even mild ankle sprains can sideline players for days or weeks, making prevention and proper recovery all the more important.
Knee Discomfort and Patellofemoral Stress
The low stance required in pickleball — often called the "ready position" — places constant demand on the quadriceps and knee joint. Over time, this can lead to patellar tendon irritation or general patellofemoral stress, particularly for players who are new to the sport or coming from a more sedentary background.
Staying active with proper form, taking adequate rest days, and using supportive tape applications can help support your knees during repetitive movement and play.
Shoulder Strains
Overhead smashes and high volleys require a range of shoulder motion that many recreational players simply aren't conditioned for. Rotator cuff strains and general shoulder discomfort are common among players who ramp up their game intensity without a structured conditioning program.
Key Takeaways for Pickleball Players
- Warm up every time — even a 5–10 minute dynamic warm-up before stepping on the court makes a meaningful difference for injury prevention.
- Build gradually — if you're new to pickleball or returning after time off, resist the urge to play long sessions back-to-back. Your tendons and ligaments need time to adapt.
- Listen to your body — persistent discomfort is a signal worth addressing, not playing through.
- Support your recovery — what you do off the court matters just as much as what happens on it.
How Kinesiology Tape Fits Into Your Recovery Routine
Kinesiology tape has been used by athletes across sports for decades. Unlike rigid athletic tape that immobilizes a joint, kinesiology tape is designed to support movement while providing proprioceptive feedback — helping your body stay aware of joint position during activity.
For pickleball players dealing with elbow, wrist, or ankle concerns, kinesiology tape can be applied to encourage proper alignment and help support your body during extended play. It's a practical addition to a broader recovery strategy that includes rest, movement, and proper nutrition.
What Makes CannaTape Sport Different
CannaTape Sport takes the foundational benefits of kinesiology tape and layers in something extra: a proprietary CBD-infused formula applied directly into the tape itself. This means the tape does double duty — providing the physical support of traditional kinesiology tape while allowing transdermal CBD to absorb into the skin where you apply it.
The result is a single-application product built for active people who want practical, on-the-go recovery support. No separate creams, no extra steps in your bag — just tape that works as hard as you do.
CannaTape Sport products are THC-free and verified by third-party testing, making them a practical option for competitive and recreational athletes alike. As always, talk with a healthcare professional if you have questions about how any recovery product fits your individual situation.
Getting Back on the Court
Pickleball injuries are common, but they don't have to define your season. With smart prevention habits, a consistent recovery routine, and the right supportive tools, most players can get back on the court and stay there.
Explore the full CannaTape Sport lineup to find the right product for your sport and recovery needs. And if you're curious about how other athletes are using CBD-infused tape in their routines, check out our guide on CBD for injury recovery.
Your next match is waiting — and CannaTape Sport is here to help you feel ready for it.
