Pickleball is booming in Sarasota area, and if you’ve spent any time at Payne Park, Pompano, Siesta Key, Foxworthy, Potter Park or the Longwood courts, you know how passionate our local players are. Whether you’re a casual player enjoying a few games with friends or a tournament competitor pushing for tournament gold, one thing can seriously dampen your time on the court: pickleball elbow.

Despite its name, pickleball elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is a huge problem for pickleball players. The repetitive wrist and forearm motion required to hit dinks, drive shots, and put spin on the ball can cause overuse and irritation in the tendons of the elbow. If you’re experiencing nagging pain on the outside of your elbow, especially when gripping your paddle, lifting objects, or shaking hands, you might be dealing with pickleball elbow.

But here’s the good news: pickleball elbow is preventable. With the right approach, you can keep your arm strong, pain-free, and ready to play. Let’s dive into how Sarasota’s pickleball community can stay on the court without elbow pain.

Why Pickleball Elbow Happens

Pickleball may be a blast to play, but it’s also tough on the wrist, forearm, and elbow. Repetitive stress, improper technique, and overuse all contribute to pickleball elbow pain.

Common Causes of Pickleball Elbow:

✔ Overuse: Playing too often without rest causes micro-tears in the tendons.
✔ Grip Issues: Holding the paddle too tightly increases strain on the forearm.
✔ Incorrect Stroke Mechanics: Over-reliance on the wrist instead of the whole arm.
✔ Paddle Weight & Handle Size: Using an ill-fitting paddle can put unnecessary stress on your elbow.

If you’re feeling soreness, weakness, or sharp pain when gripping your paddle, it’s time to take action before pickleball elbow keeps you off the court.

How Sarasota Pickleball Players Can Prevent Pickleball Elbow

1. Use the Right Paddle and Grip

Your paddle can make or break your elbow health. If you’re experiencing pain, check your paddle weight and grip size—they could be the culprits.

✔ Lighter paddles (7.5-8.3 oz) reduce strain on the forearm.
✔ Mid-size or larger grips (4.25-4.5 inches) reduce overuse of the wrist.
✔ Comfortable, cushioned grips absorb impact and lessen vibration to the elbow.

If you’re unsure whether your paddle is the right fit, visit a Sarasota pickleball pro shop or demo different paddles at a local event.

2. Strengthen Your Forearm and Grip

Stronger muscles = less strain on your elbow. A few simple exercises can build endurance in your forearm and reduce your risk of injury.

Helpful Exercises for Pickleball Elbow Prevention:
💪 Wrist Extensor Curls: Hold a light dumbbell, palm facing down, and lift the wrist up and down.
💪 Wrist Flexor Curls: Same motion but with the palm facing up.
💪 Finger Squeezes: Use a soft ball or grip strengthener to improve grip endurance.
💪 Forearm Pronations/Supinations: Hold a light weight (or hammer) and slowly rotate your forearm back and forth.

Try 2-3 sets of 15 reps a few times a week to keep your arm strong and resilient.

3. Modify Your Playing Technique

The way you hit the ball affects how much stress your elbow endures. Improper technique is a major contributor to pickleball elbow.

✔ Use your whole arm, not just your wrist – Engage the shoulder, elbow, and wrist together.
✔ Loosen your grip – Holding the paddle too tightly puts extra strain on your tendons.
✔ Follow through on shots – Avoid snapping or flicking the wrist excessively.

If you’re not sure about your form, take a lesson with one of Sarasota’s experienced pickleball coaches—they can help correct small issues before they become big problems.

4. Warm Up Before You Play

A proper warm-up can make a huge difference in preventing pickleball elbow. Before hitting the court, take 5-10 minutes to loosen up.

✔ Arm circles – Improve shoulder mobility.
✔ Wrist rolls – Lubricate the joints and tendons.
✔ Forearm stretches – Hold your fingers back to stretch the flexors, then forward for the extensors.

A warm-up doesn’t just prevent injury—it improves performance, so you play better from the first serve.

5. Rest and Recover Smartly

One of the biggest mistakes pickleball players make? Ignoring early signs of pain. If your elbow is sore, don’t push through it—your body is telling you something.

✔ Take a break if pain worsens—skipping a game is better than missing months.
✔ Use ice or anti-inflammatory treatments after playing to reduce swelling.
✔ Try elbow braces or compression sleeves for extra support.

If your pain isn’t improving after a few weeks of self-care, it’s time to see a pickleball specialist in Sarasota like us to get a personalized treatment plan and a definitive path to recovery and future prevention.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-Star Review from a Sarasota Pickleball Player 

“I am so physically and mentally relieved I found Dr. Frank! I had been in pain with pickleball elbow and shoulder pain for 18 months and was emotionally stressed about it. I had PT in other places but none compared to the individual attention and support I received from Dr. Frank. He is extremely knowledgeable in his field, and his approach to patient care is outstanding. He performed a complete physical evaluation which resulted in a personalized treatment plan that suited my specific needs. It was amazing how he knew by touch what parts of my body needed attention. He listened to my feedback and made adjustments to my program where necessary. After 8 sessions with Dr. Frank, I have made significant improvement in my strength and range of motion and have had reduction in pain. And, I am playing better on the court! I am confident that staying with my daily exercise program, I will continue to improve and recover completely.”

— Angela P., Sarasota-Area Pickleball Player

Serving the Sarasota Pickleball Community

At our Sarasota-based sports therapy practice, Your Place Physical Therapy, we specialize in keeping pickleball players on the court, playing their best and pain-free. Whether you’re playing for fun at Siesta Key or training for a tournament in Lakewood Ranch, our goal is to help you prevent injuries and play at your best.

👉 Dealing with persistent pickleball elbow or want to address it before it gets debilitating? Don’t wait until it sidelines you. Schedule a consultation with today by calling/texting us at (941) 304 – 5239 or visit www.yourplacept.com/contact to submit an inquiry form online, and let’s keep you playing strong!

See you on the courts, Sarasota! 🏓💪