Pickleball is having a moment.



What started as a casual backyard activity has quickly become one of the fastest-growing sports around—and with summer here, courts are busier than ever.

The problem? Your joints may not always be as excited about your new hobby as you are.

From sore knees and aching shoulders to back pain and unexpected injuries, pickleball-related joint pain has become increasingly common, especially among players jumping into the sport after long periods of inactivity.

The good news: enjoying pickleball and protecting your joints can absolutely happen at the same time.

Why Pickleball Causes More Joint Pain Than People Expect

Pickleball looks easy. Then suddenly you are:

• Sprinting for short bursts
• Twisting quickly
• Pivoting repeatedly
• Lunging for low shots
• Reaching overhead
• Playing multiple games in a row

These movements create repetitive stress on joints that may not be used to this type of activity.

Many injuries happen because people underestimate how physically demanding the sport actually is.

The Joints That Complain the Most

Knees

Knees absorb significant force during quick direction changes, pivots, and sudden stops.

Common complaints include:

• Knee stiffness after playing
• Pain going up or down stairs
• Swelling after activity
• Pain during squatting or bending

Many players searching for a knee pain specialist are surprised to discover symptoms gradually developed rather than occurring from a single injury.

Shoulders

Overhead shots and repetitive movements place stress on shoulder joints and surrounding muscles.

Players may notice:

• Pain while reaching overhead
• Weakness during serves
• Reduced range of motion
• Lingering soreness after games

Back and Hips

Twisting, rotating, and repetitive bending create significant demands on the spine and hips.

Many players experience:

• Low back pain
• Hip tightness
• Stiffness after playing
• Pain that worsens with repeated activity

Why “Weekend Warrior” Injuries Happen

One of the biggest risk factors for injury is doing too much too quickly.

Common examples include:

• Going from little exercise to multiple matches per week
• Playing for hours without breaks
• Skipping warmups entirely
• Returning after months of inactivity

Your cardiovascular system may feel ready long before your joints are.

When Joint Pain Is More Than Normal Soreness

Some soreness after activity is expected. However, pain deserves attention when it:

• Persists between games
• Continues worsening
• Causes swelling repeatedly
• Changes how you move
• Limits daily activities
• Prevents you from playing normally

Persistent pain may suggest joint irritation, tendon injuries, nerve involvement, arthritis, or other underlying problems.

Joint Pain Treatment Depends on the Cause

There is no single approach that works for every sports-related injury.

Effective joint pain treatment starts by identifying what structures are actually creating symptoms.

Depending on the cause, treatment may involve:

• Diagnostic evaluation
• Activity modifications
• Sports medicine approaches
• Therapeutic procedures
• Interventional pain management
• Regenerative treatment options

The goal is not simply temporary relief—it is helping patients stay active safely.

You Don’t Need to Quit Pickleball

The solution to joint pain usually is not giving up the activities you enjoy.

Understanding why pain is happening—and addressing it early—can often help patients stay active while reducing the risk of more serious injuries.

At California Sports & Spine Institute, Dr. Maxim Moradian and the team provide personalized sports medicine and joint pain treatment options designed to help patients return to activity safely.

If knee pain, joint pain, or lingering soreness is keeping you off the court, contact California Sports & Spine Institute at (818) 338-6860 or (626) 460-1096 to schedule an evaluation and explore your treatment options.