Playing padel can be addictive — it’s fast, fun, and social. But if you’re starting to feel a nagging ache in your arm after a few matches, it might be more than just fatigue. Often, padel rackets cause elbow pain due to poor design choices or an imbalance in weight and balance. The shape, materials, and stiffness of your racket can put extra pressure on your elbow, especially during repeated shots. This issue affects both new and experienced players, so you’re not alone if you’re feeling discomfort.
The good news? You don’t have to quit the game you love. In this article, you’ll find out why padel rackets cause elbow pain, how to spot the warning signs early, and what practical steps you can take to fix the problem and keep playing pain-free.
Why Padel Rackets Cause Elbow Pain?
Elbow pain in the padel usually starts small — a bit of soreness after playing. But over time, it can grow into a nagging injury that stops you from enjoying the game. One of the most common reasons padel rackets cause elbow pain is a condition known as padel elbow, similar to tennis elbow. It happens when the muscles and tendons in your arm are overused or strained, often due to repeated impact and poor equipment choice.
1. Using the Wrong Racket
Heavy rackets or those with hard surfaces transfer more vibration to your arm. This puts pressure on your elbow joint. Rackets that are too stiff or head-heavy can also be a problem.
2. Poor Technique
If your swing is off, your arm muscles work harder than they need to. This extra load often leads to pain. Many players grip their racket too tightly or hit the ball with a stiff wrist — both common causes of elbow pain.
3. Overplaying Without Rest
Playing too often without rest gives your muscles no time to recover. This can lead to stress and chronic inflammation over time.
4. Bad Vibration Control
Some rackets don’t absorb vibration well. Each shot sends a shock up your arm. If this happens repeatedly, your elbow will start to suffer.
How to Avoid Padel Rackets That Cause Elbow Pain
Choosing the right padel racket can make a big difference for your elbow. The goal is to reduce the shock and stress on your arm. Here’s what to look for when picking a racket that’s easy on your elbow:
1. Soft Core Material
Rackets with a soft EVA or foam core absorb more vibration. This means less impact reaches your arm. Softer cores feel more comfortable and are easier on the joints.
2. Even Balance
A racket with an even or low balance spreads the weight across the frame. This provides better control and reduces pressure on your wrist and elbow.
3. Lightweight Design
Heavy padel rackets cause elbow pain by putting extra stress on your arm during each swing. Choosing a lightweight option (typically between 340g and 365g) makes a big difference. It’s easier to handle and helps reduce strain, keeping your elbow more comfortable through long matches.
4. Anti-Vibration Technology
Some rackets come with built-in anti-vibration systems. These features help block the shockwaves caused by hitting the ball. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference.
5. Comfortable Grip
The grip should feel natural in your hand. A thicker grip reduces how hard you have to squeeze the racket. Less tension in your hand leads to less tension in your elbow.
Best Padel Rackets That Reduce Elbow Pain
Not all padel rackets are made the same. Some are built for power, but others are designed to prevent the common issue of elbow pain caused by padel rackets. If your arm needs relief, go for models designed to reduce shock and lighten the load — they protect your elbow while still giving you excellent control on the court.
1. NOX ML10 Pro Cup
Why it’s good for your elbow:
- Soft EVA core for excellent shock absorption
- Even balance helps reduce pressure on joints
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Built-in anti-vibration system
2. Adidas Adipower Light 3.2
Why it’s good for your elbow:
- Very lightweight—easy on joints
- EVA Soft Performance core
- Structural reinforcement for stable play
- Designed for control-first players
Check out Best Padel Rackets.
Additional Tips to Prevent Elbow Pain in Padel
Switching to a softer racket is a good start, but that’s not the full fix. To fully protect your elbow, it’s important to focus on technique, body care, and training habits.
1. Warm Up the Right Way
Don’t skip the warm-up. Start with shoulder rolls, forearm stretches, and a few minutes of light cardio. This helps loosen up your arm muscles and can lower the risk of elbow pain caused by sudden strain from padel rackets.
2. Strengthen Your Forearm & Shoulder Muscles
Weak arms absorb less shock. Strength training is important if padel rackets cause elbow pain during matches. Try:
- Wrist curls (using light weights or resistance bands)
- Reverse curls
- Isometric holds
Do them 2–3 times a week. Stronger muscles absorb more shock and support your joints.
3. Fix Your Grip Technique
A tight grip can exacerbate elbow pain caused by padel rackets. Instead, try:
- Using a continental grip
- Keeping your grip relaxed but firm
- Changing over grips regularly for better hold and comfort
4. Use Elbow Support or Compression Sleeves
Compression sleeves or elbow straps give extra support when padel rackets cause elbow pain during longer sessions. They reduce pressure without limiting movement.
5. Take Breaks and Rest
One big reason padel rackets cause elbow pain is overuse. If your arm starts to ache, stop playing and rest for a day or two. Recovery helps prevent long-term injury.
Conclusion
Choosing the wrong padel racket can do more than hurt your game — it can hurt your arm. Many players don’t realise that certain padel rackets can cause elbow pain due to factors such as excessive weight, rigid materials, and poor shock absorption. Every hit sends stress into your joints.
The fix? It starts with the right gear.
Switch to a lightweight, softer racket that absorbs impact better. Focus on improving your grip, technique, and managing your playing frequency. Add in smart habits like forearm strengthening, elbow sleeves, and proper warm-ups, and you’ll be back on court — pain-free and confident.
Ready for More? You’ll Love This Insight
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- Best Beginner Padel Rackets
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- Can You Use a Tennis Racket for Padel?
- How to Grip a Padel Racket Correctly
- Best Padel Racket Accessories
- Adidas vs Wilson: Which Padel Racket Brand is Better?
- The Top Most Durable Padel Rackets
- The Evolution of Padel Rackets Over the Years
FAQs
Elbow pain in padel usually comes from using a heavy or stiff racket on hard surfaces. These types of padel rackets cause elbow pain because they generate more vibration with each hit, putting extra pressure on your elbow over time.
Yes. A grip that’s too small or too big makes your hand work harder to hold the racket. That adds strain to your forearm and elbow, increasing your risk of pain or injury.
Look for a lightweight padel racket with a soft surface and low balance. These reduce vibration and are easier on your arm. Choose a model designed for comfort and control, not just power.
Stop playing for a few days. Use ice packs, compression sleeves, and take anti-inflammatory medicine if needed. Try light forearm exercises to build strength gradually. When you return, switch to a softer racket and adjust your technique.
Yes. Many beginners start with the wrong gear, and that’s where problems begin. Some padel rackets cause elbow pain when paired with poor form, leading to strain early on. Choosing an arm-friendly racket and learning proper technique from day one can make all the difference.
