If you have a torn meniscus and are wondering if you can play pickleball with a torn meniscus, this post is for you.

Pickleball is a fast-growing sport but since it requires its players to pivot, twist, and reach for the ball, it contributes to a wide range of injuries including torn meniscus. But what is torn meniscus? Does it show any symptoms? Can you continue to play the sport of your choice with a torn meniscus?

You can play pickleball with a torn meniscus as the pain from a tear may be bearable at first. But continuing to do so can impact your cartilage’s ability to heal on its own. For a major tear, you may be temporarily unable to play pickleball but you can resume the game following the surgery.

Pickleball is a popular game with over 3 million players around the U.S. only. Moreover, over 75% of the regular players of the game are aged 55 or above. Since it is a fast-paced game that requires rapid movement, pivoting, and twisting, it can contribute to several types of injuries including traumatically torn meniscus. The common problem of torn meniscus often leads players to think about whether they can play pickleball with a torn meniscus. And that’s what we look at in this guide.

After extensive research through medical journals and careful research from the USA Pickleball Organization's Doctorate holder guidance, we have compiled this guide so you can determine whether you can play pickleball with a torn meniscus.

What is a Torn Meniscus?

The menisci are a crescent-shaped band of rubbery, thick cartilage that is attached to the tibia (shinbone). The menisci, both the medial meniscus (on the knee joint’s inner side) and the lateral meniscus (the knee’s outer side), work as shock absorbers and help stabilize the knee.

A meniscus tear occurs in case of a sudden twist as you place your foot on the ground. The tear may occur suddenly or can develop over time as the meniscus loses resiliency. The meniscus tears can vary greatly in size and severity. You may have a meniscus tear that causes your cartilage to split in half or be left hanging by a thread to the knee joint. While you can have a minor, symptomless tear, the pain may resurface years later and can be triggered by something as simple as tripping over.

Meniscus tear is a common injury among young athletes. Since all sports involve compression and twisting across the joint, meniscus tear is a common concern among sports including pickleball. If you are a sports person experiencing a meniscus tear, you may notice pain and swelling around your knee. You can also experience a popping sensation during the injury and may have trouble bending and straightening the leg.

The pain may not be noticeable at first but the symptoms are more obvious within the first 24 hours. During the first few hours following a torn meniscus, you may be able to continue playing pickleball but continuing to play with a torn meniscus will likely have an impact on the recovery of your cartilage.

If you experience a low-grade meniscus tear, it can often heal without surgery. All you have to do is to put your knee to rest and avoid putting weight on it as much as possible. Besides rest, anti-inflammatory medications and ice compressions along with the use of an elastic bandage can aid in relieving pain and swelling.

However, if you have experienced a more severe meniscus tear, your healthcare practitioner may recommend a meniscus repair surgery. Following surgery, you may not be able to continue playing any sports including pickleball, but you can expect to return to the court when you have healed from the surgery.

How Can Playing Pickleball Lead to a Torn Meniscus?

While playing pickleball, you may find yourself swiftly changing directions or pivoting especially during swinging. When you pivot too quickly or change your direction abruptly, you can cause your muscles, tendons, and cartilage to become damaged or overworked.

Since pivoting and changing directions is one of the leading causes of repetitive stress injury, it can lead to a torn meniscus as you play pickleball.

Can You Play Pickleball With a Torn Meniscus?

The pain and discomfort associated with a torn meniscus depend upon the severity and size of the tear. If you have a small, low-grade tear that doesn’t show any symptoms including pain, swelling, and difficulty in moving, straightening, or bending your legs, you can continue to play pickleball.

However, if you have a severe tear, you can immediately experience pain and discomfort along with swelling. The symptoms will become more obvious within the first 24 hours. In that case, you should avoid playing pickleball or any other sport.

Remember the pain and discomfort associated with a low-grade torn meniscus may resurface after a while so if you have a torn meniscus, you should get in touch with your healthcare practitioner as soon as possible.

How is a Torn Meniscus Treated?

The treatment of a torn meniscus depends upon the size and severity of the tear. In case of a low-grade meniscus tear, your healthcare practitioner may recommend a conservative treatment approach which includes rest, medication, and ice compression. Medication and ice compression will help reduce the swelling in your knees which will aid in reducing the pain and discomfort.

However, the treatment may change in case of a severe meniscus tear. If your symptoms persist for more than three months or become significant, your healthcare practitioner will recommend corrective surgery. Once you have recovered from the surgery, you can return to the court and resume your pickleball game.

How to Reduce Your Risk of a Torn Meniscus?

Warming up your body adequately before playing any sports including pickleball can significantly reduce your risk of a torn meniscus. Warm-up allows the muscles in your body to get used to moving around without forcing your body to experience a sudden movement. You can also try incorporating static stretching as part of your pre-game workout routine as it helps prevent muscle, tendon, and cartilage soreness during and following the game.