Padel has exploded in popularity across Europe and the UK in recent years. Combining elements of tennis and squash, the doubles-based racquet sport is fast, fun, and sociable. However, with its sudden movements, lunges, and pivots on hard court surfaces, padel also places considerable strain on the knees.
In fact, research shows that after the elbow, the knee is the most commonly injured area in padel players. For orthopaedic surgeons and physiotherapists alike, it has become a frequent source of sports-related knee complaints.
How padel differs from tennis
On the surface, padel may look like a basic version of tennis, but its movement patterns make it uniquely demanding on the knees. Played on a compact court enclosed by glass and mesh walls, rallies are fast-paced and involve constant changes of direction.
Unlike tennis, where longer baseline rallies dominate, padel players repeatedly twist, pivot, jump and lunge in tight spaces, often on hard surfaces with minimal shock absorption.
These stop-start motions place the knee under both rotational and compressive forces. Add in the frequent jumps, rapid accelerations, and sudden collisions, and it becomes clear why the knee is vulnerable.
Common knee injuries in padel
The spectrum of knee injuries in padel ranges from mild overuse problems to acute ligament tears. Here are a few of the most common padel knee injuries:
Patellar tendonitis: One of the most frequent complaints caused by repeated jumps and landings.
Meniscus tears: Sudden pivots and twists can trap and tear the cartilage that cushions the knee joint. This often causes pain, swelling, and mechanical symptoms such as catching or locking.
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries: Less common but more serious, these occur with sudden stops or awkward landings after a jump. They can cause immediate instability and often require surgical reconstruction.
While these issues can affect any player, risk increases with age, poor conditioning, and playing frequency. Mr Punwar now sees a steady stream of padel-related knee injuries in his clinic, a trend reflecting just how quickly the sport is growing.
Preventing and managing knee injuries in padel
The good news is that many padel-related knee injuries can be prevented or managed with the right approach. As well as ensuring a proper warm-up, you can reduce your risk of injury by prioritising:
- Strength training: Targeting the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes improves joint stability and reduces the load placed on the cartilage and ligaments.
- Supportive footwear: Wearing appropriate court shoes can make a significant difference. Playing on well-maintained surfaces also helps to absorb impact.
- Training intensity: Gradually increasing training intensity with proper rest and recovery (if in doubt seek advice from a coach).
For players already experiencing pain, early assessment is important. Mild overuse injuries may respond well to rest, and physio-led rehabilitation exercises. Persistent swelling, locking, or instability should always be checked by a specialist to rule out more significant cartilage or ligament damage.
In some cases, such as meniscus or ACL tears, surgical treatment may be required to restore function and allow a safe return to sport.
Keeping your knees padel-ready
Padel offers an excellent way to stay active, be social and competitive, but like any sport, it comes with risks. Understanding how the game stresses the knees and taking proactive steps to strengthen and protect them can make the difference between consistent play and time on the sidelines. For those already struggling with knee pain, prompt evaluation and tailored treatment can get you back on court safely.
If you think you may have suffered a padel knee injury, or you simply want to learn more, book an appointment with Mr Shah Punwar today.
