Should I wear a knee brace for padel?

What padel asks of the knee

Padel involves short sprints, sudden stops, lunges to the glass and quick changes of direction, often on artificial turf with sand. Those movements load the ACL, meniscus and kneecap. Most injuries happen when fatigue, poor footwork or worn shoes meet a sudden twist.

No brace has been shown to reliably prevent these injuries in healthy players.

Who might benefit from a support

• Players returning after ACL reconstruction or a ligament injury, for confidence in the first season back
• Those with a known kneecap instability, using a stabilising sleeve on medical advice
• Players with mild arthritis who find a compression sleeve more comfortable
• People with patellar tendon pain, who may try a strap below the kneecap

What protects your knee more

A dynamic warm-up before matches, regular strength work for the thighs, hips and calves, padel-specific shoes with good grip, and avoiding long matches when tired all lower injury risk. In summer, play in air-conditioned indoor courts or at cooler hours and drink regularly, because heat and dehydration increase fatigue.

When to stop and get checked

A pop with immediate swelling, a knee that gives way, locking or catching, or pain that does not settle within a few days needs assessment. At Aman Hospital, Dr. Gelber examines the knee and advises whether a brace, physiotherapy or further tests make sense for you.