If you’ve stepped off the court with aching knees, you’re not alone. As a sports doctor for pickleball injuries, I often treat patients with pain related to overuse or improper mechanics. Some of the most frequent pickleball knee injury diagnoses include:

Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper’s Knee): Pain just below the kneecap, often from repeated jumping or forceful squatting.

Meniscus Tears: Caused by twisting motions, especially when the foot is planted but the knee rotates.

Runner’s Knee (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome): General pain around the kneecap from repeated impact or misalignment.

Bursitis: Inflammation in the knee's cushioning sacs, usually from kneeling or direct pressure.

Whether you’re a seasoned player or just learning the ropes, it’s important to recognize the signs of a pickleball knee injury before it sidelines your summer fun.

Jumper’s knee is a form of overuse injury that affects the patellar tendon the thick cord of tissue that connects your kneecap (patella) to your shinbone (tibia). This tendon plays a key role in knee extension, allowing you to straighten your leg and absorb force during jumping and landing.

When repetitive impact overloads the tendon, it can lead to microtears, inflammation, and chronic pain. This condition is especially common in high-impact sports like volleyball, basketball, running, and more recently pickleball.

Skiing is a thrilling way to embrace the winter months, but for those with knee instability or past injuries, it can also be a source of concern. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or hitting the slopes for the first time, knee braces can be a game-changer in boosting your confidence and protecting your knees.

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“In fact, athletes in many sports that meet criteria for being loose jointed are more than four times more likely to tear their ACL than athletes that are not loose jointed,” states Dr. Sterett.

Dr. Sterett explains that, “Knee dislocations have the potential to cause arthritis, primarily due to the significant trauma and damage to the joint structures.” Knee dislocations occur when the bones of the knee joint are forced out of alignment, often as a result of high-impact accidents or sports injury.

Knee ligament injuries are prevalent, especially among athletes who engage in physically demanding sports, such as skiing, lacrosse, soccer, hockey, or football.

Skiing and snowboarding are exciting winter sports that offer a great way to enjoy the outdoors, especially in the picturesque ski resorts of Eagle County. However, it's important to remember that knee injuries are prevalent among slope-goers.

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