Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in Houston, especially in Clear Lake, League City, Pearland, and surrounding communities.
While it’s easy on the joints compared to tennis, one injury is stopping many players from enjoying the game: pickleball elbow.
As a sports medicine physician in Houston, I see pickleball elbow weekly, often in players who tried to “push through” pain for months.
The good news? You don’t need surgery, and you don’t need to stop playing forever.
You just need the right treatment for tendon healing.
What Is Pickleball Elbow?
Pickleball elbow is a form of lateral epicondylitis, a tendon injury where the forearm muscles attach to the outer elbow. Repetitive gripping of the paddle, quick wrist snaps, and poor recovery cause micro-tears in the tendon that don’t heal on their own.
Unlike a muscle strain, tendon injuries heal slowly without intervention. That’s why rest, braces, and anti-inflammatories often fail.
Why Pickleball Causes More Elbow Injuries
- Lightweight paddles increase wrist overuse
- Hard courts increase vibration through the arm
- Frequent play (3–5x/week) doesn’t allow recovery
- Many players skip strength training
Over time, pain worsens, grip strength decreases, and simple daily activities like lifting a coffee cup hurt.
Why Rest Alone Doesn’t Work
Most players rest until pain improves, then return to play only to have the pain come right back.
That’s because the tendon never healed, it just quieted down temporarily.
This is why advanced treatments like shockwave therapy are becoming the go-to option for pickleball elbow in Houston.
Shockwave Therapy: A Game Changer
Shockwave therapy uses acoustic waves to stimulate blood flow, trigger collagen repair, and restart the healing process. It’s:
- Non-surgical
- No injections
- No downtime
- Typically 3–6 sessions
Most patients notice improvement within weeks, not months.
When to See a Pickleball Injury Doctor
If elbow pain lasts more than 4–6 weeks, or returns every time you play, it’s time for a proper evaluation. Early treatment leads to faster recovery and prevents chronic damage.
If you’re dealing with pickleball elbow in Houston, I specialize in non-surgical treatment to get you back on the court safely and quickly.
