Padel Knee Injuries: Causes, Warning Signs and Prevention

Why padel is demanding on the knee

Padel has grown quickly in Qatar, with courts across Doha and players of every age and fitness level. It is a social, accessible sport, but its movement pattern places real demands on the knee. Rallies involve short sprints, quick changes of direction, deep lunges for low balls and sudden stops, often on artificial turf that grips the shoe.

When the foot stays planted while the body turns, the knee absorbs a twisting force. Repeated over many matches, or delivered suddenly in one awkward movement, this is how most padel knee injuries happen. Players who take up the sport later in life, or who play several times a week without building strength first, tend to be more vulnerable.

The four most common padel knee injuries

• Meniscus tear: the meniscus is a C-shaped cartilage cushion between the thigh bone and shin bone. A twist on a bent knee can tear it, causing pain along the joint line, swelling over the following day and sometimes catching or locking. In players over 40, tears can also develop gradually from wear.
• ACL tear: the anterior cruciate ligament controls rotation and forward movement of the shin. It is usually injured in a non-contact pivot or awkward landing, often with a pop, rapid swelling and a feeling that the knee cannot be trusted.
• MCL sprain: the medial collateral ligament on the inner side of the knee is stretched when the knee buckles inwards, for example during a wide lunge. Most MCL sprains heal without surgery with a brace and physiotherapy.
• Patellar tendinopathy (jumper's knee): an overuse problem of the tendon just below the kneecap, linked to repeated explosive movements and sudden increases in playing time. Pain is usually felt at the start of play, eases as you warm up, and returns afterwards.

Warning signs you should not ignore

Some knee pain after a long match is normal and settles with rest. The following signs suggest a structural injury that deserves a proper examination:

• Swelling that appears within a few hours of an injury
• A pop or tearing sensation at the moment of injury
• The knee giving way or feeling unstable when turning
• Locking, where the knee gets stuck and cannot fully straighten
• Pain on the inner or outer joint line that persists for more than two weeks
• Difficulty bearing weight or walking normally

A locked knee that cannot straighten should be assessed promptly, as a displaced meniscus tear may need early treatment.

How to reduce your risk on the court

Many padel knee injuries can be reduced with simple habits. Prevention is most effective when it is regular rather than occasional.

• Warm up for ten minutes before playing, including light jogging, side steps and dynamic stretches
• Build leg strength off the court with squats, lunges, step-ups and hamstring exercises two or three times a week
• Practise balance and landing control, keeping the knee in line with the toes rather than collapsing inwards
• Wear padel-specific shoes with suitable soles for the court surface and replace them when worn
• Increase playing time gradually, especially when returning after a break or after Ramadan
• In Doha's warmer months, play early morning or evening, or choose indoor air-conditioned courts, and drink water regularly, as fatigue and dehydration affect coordination

When to see a knee surgeon

Not every padel injury needs surgery, and many improve with rest, physiotherapy and a gradual return to play. Seeing a specialist early helps you understand which injury you have and avoid making it worse.

At Aman Hospital in Doha, Dr. Pablo Gelber assesses padel injuries with a clinical examination and, where needed, an MRI scan. Treatment depends on the type of tear, your age, your activity level and your goals. A meniscus tear that can be repaired, or an ACL tear in a player who wants to return to pivoting sport, may benefit from surgical treatment, while MCL sprains and tendinopathy are usually managed without an operation. The right plan always depends on an individual examination.