Padel Injuries: Elbows and Knees Most At Risk, Says Doctor

The sport of padel is growing in popularity across a wide range of people, as it is regarded as enjoyable yet challenging. The game, which blends elements of tennis and squash, may seem straightforward, but it still carries a risk of injury if played without proper technique. Dr Ega Jaya, Sp.KFR, AIFO-K, a Specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, has revealed that several parts of the body are most frequently affected by complaints among padel players. Based on his clinical experience, injuries most commonly occur in the elbows and knees. He notes that padel’s nature—relying on rapid movements and sudden changes of direction—causes several joints to work harder. If playing technique is not correct or the body is not ready to bear the load of activity, the risk of injury can rise.

Knee injuries due to sudden movements

One of the parts most commonly affected when playing padel is the knee. This relates to movement patterns in the game that involve rapid changes in position. “Knees, because there are many sudden movements that bend the knee abruptly and straighten it. This increases the load on the knee joints,” Dr. Ega said. If done for a long time without adequate physical preparation, the knee joints can bear a substantial amount of pressure. This condition can trigger pain, especially in people who exercise infrequently or are just starting to try padel. Therefore, warming up before playing is important. Stretching exercises and strengthening the muscles around the knee can help prepare the joints to cope with the demands of activity on the court.