Why Pickleball Players Struggle with Tendon and Joint Pain — and How to Stay in the Game Longer

Why Pickleball Players Struggle with Tendon and Joint Pain — and How to Stay in the Game Longer

Pickleball is fast, fun, and addictive — but it’s also tough on your body’s connective tissues. If you’ve ever felt that nagging elbow ache or knee stiffness after a long match, you’re not alone. Tendon and joint issues are among the most common reasons pickleball players end up sidelined.

Why Pickleball Takes a Toll

Pickleball combines bursts of explosive movement with quick directional changes and repetitive motions — especially in your shoulders, knees, and elbows. The most common issues include:

  • Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis): From repetitive paddle swings.

  • Patellar tendonitis (“jumper’s knee”): Caused by quick lunges and stops.

  • Shoulder strain: From overhead serves and fast reaction shots.

  • Achilles tendon tightness: From rapid starts and pivots.

These aren’t just “old-age pains.” Even younger athletes experience overuse injuries when their connective tissues can’t recover fast enough between games.

What’s Really Going On

Tendons and ligaments are made mostly of collagen — a strong, flexible protein that gives them structure. But they don’t get as much blood flow as muscles, which means they heal more slowly when strained.

Over time, small microtears can build up. The result? Inflammation, stiffness, and pain that just won’t quit — no matter how many stretches or ice packs you use.

How to Protect Your Joints and Tendons

Here are some practical ways to stay strong and mobile on the court:

  1. Warm up dynamically. Arm circles, light jogs, and resistance band work get blood flowing and prep your tissues.

  2. Strength train smart. Focus on eccentric movements (slow, controlled lowering) to build tendon resilience.

  3. Stay hydrated and mineralized. Electrolytes help muscle and joint function.

  4. Fuel recovery. Nutrients like collagen peptides, vitamin C, magnesium, and specialized peptides (like Tendoforte®) can support collagen formation and connective tissue repair.*

PiKL’s New Solution for Pickleball Longevity

We’ve heard it from our community again and again — “My joints hurt, but I don’t want to stop playing.” So we’re developing a tendon and joint formula designed specifically for pickleballers.

It’s built to help:

  • Support collagen synthesis for tendons and ligaments*

  • Promote joint comfort and flexibility*

  • Aid in recovery after intense play*

This formula is the next evolution in helping you play harder, longer, and pain-free — so you can keep doing what you love: playing pickleball without limits.

Stay tuned — it’s coming soon.

UPDATE - it has arrived - click HERE for Tendon & Joint.

Disclaimer

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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