Pickleball Hand and Wrist Injuries

Expert Care in NYC for Pickleball Injuries

Pickleball, once considered a casual backyard pastime, has rapidly grown into one of the most popular and competitive racket sports in New York City, especially among adults on the Upper East Side, West Side, and across borough clubs like CityPickle and ZogSports.

That doesn’t mean it’s all fun and games for New Yorkers. The increase in play has come with a notable rise in hand and wrist injuries amongst players.

At HandSport Surgery Institute (HSSI), Drs. Mark and Jason Pruzansky are seeing a growing number of pickleball players needing expert diagnosis, treatment, and recovery care for upper extremity injuries. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a daily competitor, our team at HSSI is here to keep your hands and wrists in peak condition.

Common Pickleball-Related Hand and Wrist Injuries

Pickleball players routinely find themselves sitting on the bench thanks to the following sport related injuries:

1. Tendonitis

Cause: Repetitive paddle swings and overuse stress the forearm tendons, especially those controlling the wrist and thumb.
Symptoms: Dull ache, swelling, stiffness, and pain during play or gripping.
Treatment: Rest, bracing, anti-inflammatory care, and in persistent cases, physical therapy or corticosteroid injection.

2. TFCC Tears (Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex)

Cause: Sudden twisting motions and impact from rapid paddle strikes or falls.
Symptoms: Ulnar-sided wrist pain, clicking or catching, loss of grip strength.
Treatment: Custom splinting, activity modification, or minimally invasive wrist arthroscopy.

3. De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

Cause: Overuse of the thumb and wrist from repetitive off-centered paddle swings.
Symptoms: Pain along the thumb side of the wrist, especially when grasping or rotating the wrist.
Treatment: Thumb spica splints, physical therapy, injections, and in some cases, surgical release.

4. ECU Tendon Subluxation

Cause: Sudden change in direction or off-balance shots placing torque on the ulnar wrist.
Symptoms: Snapping or instability on the pinky-side of the wrist, especially during rotation.
Treatment: Immobilization, wrist stabilization, and subsheath repair in severe cases.

5. Fractures of the Hamate or Metacarpals

Cause: Falls onto an outstretched hand, paddle impact injuries, or forceful collisions.
Symptoms: Sharp localized pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty holding the paddle.
Treatment: Depending on severity, conservative management or surgical fixation.

6. Ligament Sprains and Instability

Cause: Hyperextension, awkward falls, or torsional strain from fast-paced doubles play.
Symptoms: Persistent pain, joint laxity, clunking sensation, weakness during swings.
Treatment: Bracing, hand therapy, arthroscopic, and surgical ligament reconstruction for instability.

Diagnosing Pickleball Injuries at HSSI

At HSSI, diagnosis begins with a thorough patient history often revealing repetitive stress patterns or recent trauma on the court. Drs. Mark and Jason Pruzansky perform a detailed physical exam, including specific wrist and hand tests tailored to racket sports. Imaging such as:

Digital X-rays: To rule out fractures and joint abnormalities.
MRI and Ultrasound: To evaluate soft tissue damage such as ligament tears or tendon inflammation.
CT Scans: For precise bone detail in suspected carpal fractures.

Each diagnostic process is personalized to the patient’s symptoms, hand dominance, and level of play ensuring that the root cause of the issue is identified early for better outcomes.

Treatment Options Tailored for Pickleball Players

Every case is unique. Whether you’re a recreational player or preparing for a tournament, treatment plans are customized to fit your goals, schedule, and recovery expectations.

Non-Surgical Options:

Activity modification and rest
Custom-molded splints or braces
Anti-inflammatory medications
Corticosteroid and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections
Personalized hand and wrist therapy programs

Surgical Interventions (when necessary):

Tendon sheath release
Ligament reconstruction or stabilization
Wrist arthroscopy for TFCC or cartilage damage repair
Fracture fixation using modern, low-profile implants

Our surgical techniques are minimally invasive whenever possible promoting faster healing and minimizing downtime. Most patients return to play with improved stability, reduced pain, and better performance.

Post-Treatment and Return to the Court

Our NYC-based rehabilitation team works closely with each patient to restore strength, flexibility, and confidence. Recovery includes:

Progressive loading exercises
Functional retraining specific to paddle mechanics
Grip strength reconditioning
Preventive strategies to reduce reinjury risk

Many athletes return stronger than before after treatment, with better awareness of form, ergonomics, and conditioning.

Why Choose HandSport Surgery Institute?

Trusted by NYC’s Top Athletes: From elite competitors to avid amateurs, our patients span all sports and all boroughs. We understand the physical and mental drive behind your performance.
Dual Fellowship-Trained Expertise: Dr. Mark Pruzansky and Dr. Jason Pruzansky are among the most accomplished hand and wrist specialists in the nation. Their advanced microsurgical and sports medicine training ensures world-class care.
Cutting-Edge Diagnostics and Surgery: Our team leverages the most modern techniques and technology in orthopedic and reconstructive surgery.
Personalized Attention: You’re not just another case. Your successful recovery is our mission. Every care plan is tailored to your goals, lifestyle, and sport.
Centrally Located for NYC Players: Conveniently situated on the Upper East Side, our clinic is easily accessible for Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the greater metro area.

Don’t Let Pickleball Pain Sideline You

If you’re experiencing wrist or hand pain after a game don’t wait. Minor injuries can escalate without proper diagnosis and care. Call HandSport Surgery Institute today at (212) 249-8700 or request an appointment online to get back in the game, pain-free and confident.