The sharp sting in your elbow wasn't there when you first picked up that paddle. Now, weeks into your pickleball obsession, every backhand sends a jolt of pain up your arm. You might be dealing with tennis elbow: a common injury that affects recreational racquet sport players.
Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, occurs when the tendons connecting your forearm muscles to the outside of your elbow become inflamed or develop small tears. Despite its name, this condition frequently affects pickleball players due to the repetitive arm motions and gripping required during play.
Understanding the warning signs can help you address the issue early and get back to the court faster. Here are six key indicators that your post-game discomfort might be tennis elbow.
1. Sharp Pain on the Outside of Your Elbow
The most telling sign of tennis elbow is pain concentrated on the lateral epicondyle, the bony bump on the outside of your elbow. This isn't a dull ache that comes and goes. Instead, you'll feel a sharp, burning sensation that intensifies with certain movements.
The pain typically starts as mild discomfort during or immediately after playing pickleball. Many players initially dismiss this as normal post-exercise soreness. However, tennis elbow pain has distinct characteristics that set it apart from general muscle fatigue.
You might notice the pain radiating down your forearm toward your wrist. This happens because the affected tendons connect to muscles that control wrist and finger movement. The discomfort often peaks when you grip your paddle tightly or attempt backhand shots.
2. Weakness When Gripping Your Paddle
Tennis elbow significantly impacts your grip strength, making it difficult to hold your pickleball paddle firmly. You might find yourself dropping the paddle unexpectedly or struggling to maintain control during rallies.
This weakness stems from inflammation in the extensor tendons, which help stabilize your wrist and fingers during gripping motions. As these tendons become irritated, they can't generate the same force they normally would.
Simple daily activities become challenging, too. Opening jars, turning doorknobs, or carrying grocery bags may cause discomfort or feel impossible with your affected arm. The weakness is particularly noticeable when you try to lift objects with your palm facing down.
3. Morning Stiffness That Improves With Movement
Tennis elbow often causes pronounced stiffness when you wake up, especially in your elbow and forearm. Your arm might feel locked or difficult to straighten fully. This morning stiffness typically lasts 30 minutes to an hour before gradually improving as you move throughout the day.
The stiffness occurs because inflammation increases overnight when your arm remains in one position for extended periods. As you begin moving and blood flow increases to the area, the stiffness usually subsides.
However, the pain and stiffness often return after periods of rest during the day. You might notice your elbow feels tight after sitting at a desk for several hours or when you first get up from watching television.
4. Pain That Worsens With Specific Movements
Certain movements will trigger intense pain if you have tennis elbow. These typically involve extending your wrist backward while gripping something or rotating your forearm.
During pickleball, backhand shots often cause the most discomfort because they require you to stabilize your wrist against the paddle's impact. You might also experience pain when serving, particularly if you use a lot of wrist snap in your motion.
Off the court, activities like shaking hands, lifting a coffee cup, or typing on a keyboard can trigger symptoms. The pain usually starts as a sharp sensation at the moment of movement, then may linger as a dull ache.
5. Tenderness When Touching the Elbow
Direct pressure on the outside of your elbow will likely cause significant discomfort if you have tennis elbow. You can test this by gently pressing on the bony prominence on the outer edge of your elbow – the lateral epicondyle.
The tenderness might extend slightly below this point, following the path of the affected tendons. Even light touch can trigger pain, and firm pressure often reproduces the same sharp sensation you feel during pickleball.
This tenderness usually develops gradually over several days or weeks of playing through initial discomfort. The area might also feel slightly swollen or warm to the touch, indicating ongoing inflammation.
6. Progressive Worsening Despite Rest
Unlike typical muscle soreness that improves with a day or two of rest, tennis elbow pain often persists or even worsens when you stop playing. You might take a week off from pickleball, expecting the discomfort to resolve, only to find it's still there when you return to the court.
This happens because tennis elbow involves structural changes to the tendon tissue, not just temporary inflammation. The affected tendons need specific treatment and rehabilitation to heal properly.
Some players notice their symptoms worsen during rest periods because they continue performing daily activities that stress the injured tendons without realizing it. Simple tasks like brushing teeth, using a computer mouse, or carrying items can perpetuate the problem.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you recognize several of these signs, consider consulting a healthcare provider who specializes in sports injuries. Early intervention typically leads to better outcomes and shorter recovery times.
A medical professional can confirm the diagnosis through physical examination and potentially imaging studies. They might recommend specific treatments like physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or, in some cases, more advanced interventions.
Don't wait until the pain becomes unbearable or starts affecting your daily life significantly. Tennis elbow responds better to treatment when addressed in its early stages.
Getting Back to the Court Safely
Prioritizing your joint health and addressing pain properly is key to enjoying pickleball for years to come. With the right care and adjustments, you can get back to the courts stronger than ever.
At The Center for Bone & Joint Disease, our expert team specializes in treating conditions like tennis elbow and offers personalized rehabilitation plans to support your recovery. Schedule an appointment with us today and take the first step toward pain-free play and lasting joint health. Your future self – and your pickleball game – will thank you.
