Should You Play Pickleball with Tennis Elbow?[Answered]

Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common injury that affects the outer part of the elbow. It occurs when the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle, the bony bump on the outside of the elbow, become inflamed. This injury is typically caused by overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons, which can lead to tiny tears in the tendons.

Pickleball, a popular paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, is also notorious for causing tennis elbow. The repetitive nature of the sport, combined with the wrist movements required to hit the ball, can put a lot of stress on the tendons and muscles of the forearm.

So, should you play pickleball with tennis elbow? The answer is not a straightforward one, as it depends on the severity of your injury and how well you manage it.

Understanding the Severity of Your Injury

The first step in deciding whether or not to play pickleball with tennis elbow is to understand the severity of your injury. Tennis elbow can range from a mild case of discomfort to a severe injury that requires medical attention. Some common symptoms of tennis elbow include:

• Pain on the outside of the elbow
• Weakness in the forearm
• Stiffness in the elbow
• Difficulty gripping objects
• Pain that worsens with activity

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to take a break from pickleball and seek medical attention if necessary. Continuing to play with tennis elbow can worsen your injury and prolong your recovery time.

Managing Your Tennis Elbow

If your tennis elbow is a mild case, you may be able to continue playing pickleball with some modifications. Here are some tips for managing your tennis elbow while playing pickleball:

• Warm up properly before playing to loosen up your muscles and tendons.
• Stretch your forearm muscles before and after playing.
• Wear a brace or compression sleeve on your elbow to provide support and reduce pain.
• Use proper technique when hitting the ball to avoid putting extra stress on your forearm.
• Take frequent breaks and listen to your body. If you start to feel pain, stop playing and rest your arm.
• Use the right Paddle for tennis elbow.

It is important to note that these tips are only applicable to mild cases of tennis elbow. If your injury is more severe, it is best to take a break from pickleball and seek medical attention.

Alternatives to Playing Pickleball

If you are unable to play pickleball due to your tennis elbow, there are still many other activities you can enjoy. Here are some low-impact options that are less likely to aggravate your injury:

• Swimming
• Cycling
• Yoga
• Pilates
• Walking

These activities can help you stay active and maintain your fitness while your tennis elbow heals.

Should You Play Pickleball with Tennis Elbow Conclusion

In conclusion, whether or not you should play pickleball with tennis elbow depends on the severity of your injury and how well you manage it. Mild cases may be manageable with proper warm-up, technique, and support, while more severe cases require rest and medical attention.

Regardless of your injury, it is important to listen to your body and take breaks as needed to avoid exacerbating your injury. If you are unable to play pickleball, there are still many low-impact activities that you can enjoy to stay active and healthy.