Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide. Its combination of speed, power, and agility makes it exciting — but it also places high demands on the legs and feet.

Because of the sudden stops, twists, and sprints involved, lower limb injuries in padel are increasingly common. As more players take to the courts, sports podiatrists are seeing a surge in foot, ankle, and knee complaints related to the game.

This article explains the most common padel injuries of the lower limb, how podiatrists diagnose and treat them, and what players can do to prevent them.

Common Padel Injuries Affecting the Feet, Ankles and Knees

Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide. Its combination of speed, power, and agility makes it exciting — but it also places high demands on the legs and feet.

  • 1

    Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Pain in Padel Players)
    The plantar fascia — a thick band of tissue along the arch — can become inflamed from repetitive jumping and footwork.
    Symptoms: Sharp heel pain, especially with first steps in the morning or after rest.

  • 2

    Achilles Tendinopathy in Padel
    Explosive movements and abrupt direction changes can overload the Achilles tendon.
    Symptoms: Pain and stiffness at the back of the heel or lower calf, worse after activity.

  • 3
    Ankle Sprains and Instability
    Padel’s lateral movements make ankle sprains one of the most frequent injuries.

    Symptoms: Swelling, bruising, or a feeling that the ankle “gives way.”

  • 4

    Metatarsalgia and Stress Fractures
    Repetitive forefoot loading can irritate the ball of the foot or cause bone stress.
    Symptoms: Burning or aching in the forefoot that worsens with play.

  • 5

    Knee Pain in Padel (Patellar Tendinopathy and IT Band Syndrome)
    Padel’s low, semi-squat posture puts stress on the knees.
    Symptoms: Front or outer knee pain, especially during jumps or lunges.

How a Sports Podiatrist Diagnoses and Treats Padel Injuries

A podiatric sports injury assessment looks beyond symptoms to the root cause. Podiatrists specialise in lower limb biomechanics — how your feet and legs move during play — allowing for precise, individualised treatment.

Comprehensive Padel Injury Assessment

  • Biomechanical and gait analysis: Identifies foot alignment, pronation, and movement inefficiencies.
  • Footwear evaluation: Ensures your padel shoes support your play style and surface type.
  • Imaging (X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI): Used when deeper tissue or bone injury is suspected.

Evidence-Based Padel Injury Treatments

Treatment is tailored to relieve pain, restore function, and prevent recurrence. This may include:

  • Custom orthotics or insoles to support alignment and reduce joint stress.
  • Physiotherapy referral for chronic tendon or fascia injuries.
  • Strapping or bracing for ankle support and stability.
  • Rehabilitation exercises focusing on strength, flexibility, and proprioception.
  • Load management advice to safely return to the court without overuse.

When to See a Podiatrist for Padel Injuries

If you experience heel, ankle, or knee pain after playing padel, don’t ignore it. Early podiatric intervention can prevent acute problems from becoming chronic and reduce recovery time.

Book a podiatry appointment today to assess your biomechanics, optimise your footwear, and protect your performance.