Common Padel Injuries: How to Recognise, Treat and Prevent Them

Common padel injuries, as explained by Dr. Kevin Yik, are far more varied than most players realise. Many people assume soreness after a padel session is just part of the game — something that will pass with a bit of rest. But Dr. Kevin Yik, orthopaedic surgeon at Elite Orthopaedics Singapore, warns that without proper assessment, what seems minor can develop into a long-term problem that keeps you off the court for months.

In this episode of PhysioActive’s Singapore Surgeon Insight series, Dr. Kevin Yik breaks down the most common padel injuries he sees in his clinical practice, when players should stop and seek help, and how physiotherapy plays a central role in both recovery and prevention.

Why Padel Is Harder on the Body Than It Looks

Padel is best described as a mix of tennis and squash, played inside a glass-walled court. Unlike tennis, the ball can be played off the walls — which adds unpredictability and demands a wider range of movements. Rallies are fast, spaces are tight, and players must react instantly in multiple directions.

It is dynamic and involves rapid changes of direction, overhead swings, and reactive lateral movements. This combination places real stress on the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles — even during casual play.

What makes padel particularly demanding is the combination of explosive short sprints, rapid direction changes, overhead smashes, and low defensive shots — all within a single rally. Players are constantly accelerating, decelerating, rotating their torso, and reaching in every direction. These movements are very different from the more predictable, linear patterns of sports like running or cycling.

For beginners without the right technique or conditioning, this variety creates a high risk of injury. Even for experienced players, the repetitive nature of certain shots — particularly the overhead smash and the lateral lunge — places sustained stress on specific joints over time.

The Most Common Padel Injuries Every Player Should Know

Dr. Yik sees a wide range of common padel injuries across all skill levels, but the patterns differ depending on experience.

Common Padel Injuries in Beginners

New players tend to compensate with poor technique — over-relying on the wrist or placing excessive strain on the elbow. The most common padel injuries in beginners include:

• Wrist ligament injuries and TFCC tears — the triangular fibrocartilage complex stabilises the wrist and is easily strained with poor stroke mechanics.
• Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) — pain on the outer elbow from repetitive wrist extension.
• Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) — overload on the inner elbow, often from gripping the racket too tightly.

Common Padel Injuries in Experienced Players

For more skilled players, technique is usually not the main issue. The more common problem is playing too frequently without adequate recovery. Overuse injuries become the primary concern:

• Rotator cuff tears in the shoulder
• Tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow
• Patellar tendonitis in the knee
• Plantar fasciitis in the heel

Acute injuries can happen to anyone regardless of level. Falls, awkward twisting movements, and sudden direction changes can cause ACL tears, meniscus tears, and Achilles tendon injuries — making prevention just as important as treatment.

Warning Signs: When to Stop Playing and See a Doctor

Most minor pain will improve with rest, ice, and elevation. However, Dr. Yik advises seeking a professional assessment if pain persists for more than one to two weeks despite rest. Some symptoms require more urgent attention:

• Joint swelling that does not subside
• Locking or jamming of the joint
• A feeling of instability — the joint feels loose or gives way
• Difficulty bearing weight, standing, or walking

If you experience any of the above, do not wait. According to research published on PubMed, early intervention in sports injuries significantly reduces the risk of progression to chronic conditions. Early assessment can prevent a small problem from developing into something far more serious.

Imaging, Injections, and Surgery: What You Need to Know

X-rays and MRI scans are standard tools for evaluating persistent or concerning symptoms. Beyond imaging, treatment options range from conservative to surgical.

Steroid injections can relieve pain and reduce inflammation — particularly effective for conditions like frozen shoulder — though they are not always ideal where tissue healing is the primary goal.

PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections are increasingly popular. A small blood sample is taken from the patient, processed to concentrate the platelets, and injected into the injured area to stimulate healing. Many patients prefer PRP because it supports the body’s natural repair process rather than simply masking symptoms.

Dr. Yik emphasises that the majority of common padel injuries respond well to non-operative treatment. Surgery is generally considered only after a proper trial of conservative management — typically at least six to eight weeks of physiotherapy — has not produced sufficient improvement. A study in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research confirms that minimally invasive surgical techniques for sports injuries yield excellent functional outcomes with low complication rates.

Recovering from Common Padel Injuries: The Role of Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is the first-line treatment for most common padel injuries. A structured rehabilitation programme has two goals: relieving pain and rebuilding the endurance and tolerance needed to return to sport safely.

Beyond recovery, the exercises learned during physiotherapy sessions can be continued as a regular maintenance routine — keeping muscles conditioned and joints resilient to reduce the risk of re-injury. According to research published in the Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, structured physiotherapy significantly reduces re-injury rates in racquet sport athletes.

The team at PhysioActive will accompany you at every stage of your recovery — from initial pain management through to sport-specific conditioning and return to play.

Simple Prevention Tips for Every Padel Player

Preventing common padel injuries starts with the right habits before you even step on the court.

• Wear proper padel shoes. Padel shoes have a different sole pattern from tennis shoes, designed specifically for multi-directional movement. Do not substitute with general sports or running shoes.
• Warm up before every session. Three to five minutes of light cardio — jogging on the spot or jumping jacks — raises your heart rate and prepares muscles and joints for explosive play.
• Add dynamic stretches. Movements like arm circles, high kicks, and butt kicks mimic on-court actions and prepare your joints for the demands ahead.
• Listen to your body. If symptoms persist for more than one to two weeks despite rest, get it assessed. Early treatment is the best way to prevent a minor complaint from becoming a long-term problem.

Play Smart, Stay on the Court

Common padel injuries are largely preventable with the right preparation and early intervention. Whether you are new to the game or a regular on the court, the PhysioActive team is here to help you recover from injuries and build the strength and resilience to keep playing at your best.

Don’t play through pain. If something doesn’t feel right, get it checked early — before a small issue becomes a reason to stop playing altogether.

Ready to Explore Your Treatment Options?

Dr. Kevin Yik
Orthopaedic Surgeon, Singapore
Elite Orthopaedics Singapore
Website: https://eliteorthopaedics.com.sg/
Tel: +65 6312 4110

PhysioActive Singapore
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