By Mathew E. Levine, DO, MPH, Resurgens Orthopaedics
Tightness in your hip when you first hit the court, a sharp pain in your knee when you stop and start …For most tennis players, it feels normal to play through these types of things. After all, it’s easy to chalk up nagging soreness as just part of the game. But long matches, repetitive motions, and quick changes of direction put real stress on the joints, and sometimes pain is indicative of more than just routine soreness.
Joint pain while playing can be a sign that arthritis is setting in. It’s important to learn how to recognize these signals early so you can build a plan for dealing with arthritis that keeps you active instead of sitting on the sidelines.
As both a former certified athletic trainer and current orthopedic surgeon, here are my recommendations for recognizing and managing arthritis pain while staying active.
Pain is common, but the patterns matter
Tennis is a physically demanding sport that wears on the body. Arthritis is a condition that develops gradually. This combination can make it difficult to recognize the early signs of arthritis taking hold of a joint, especially for players who are used to pushing through discomfort.
What I encourage athletes to pay attention to isn’t just whether something hurts, but how and when it hurts. Start to look for patterns. Notice the difference between muscle soreness that fades within a day or two, and lingering discomfort that never quite goes away.
Here are a few factors to look out for:
- Stiffness at the start of play that improves after warming up
- Aching or soreness that lingers well after a match or into the next day
- Decreased range of motion in a joint, especially in the shoulders, hips, or knees
- Swelling or tightness in a joint that increases after playing
- Feeling a grating or grinding sensation in a joint.
While these symptoms don’t necessarily mean you have arthritis, they do mean that your joints likely need some attention. And playing through these signs of potential joint damage often leads to worsening symptoms over time.
Why “playing through it” can backfire
All athletes, from the casual pickleball player to the top-ranked tennis pros, have a natural instinct to play through minor injuries and pain. But arthritis-related inflammation doesn’t respond well to this kind of repeated overload. When joints are irritated repeatedly and without treatment, the cycle of pain and stiffness becomes harder to break.
What I see most often are injuries that aren’t caused by a single case of overuse, but by ignoring warning signs for months or even years. And the longer someone waits before seeing a medical professional, the more limited their treatment options often become.
That’s why early recognition and treatment are vital for longevity on the court.
Arthritis doesn’t mean you have to stop playing
If there’s one thing I want players to understand, it’s that an arthritis diagnosis doesn’t mean their playing days are over. Far from it. With orthopedic care and proper pain management, it’s possible to play at a high level for years.
When I evaluate joint pain in an active adult, the conversation usually starts with what they’re playing, how hard and how often they play, and what type of movements are causing symptoms.
Treatment plans for tennis or pickleball players with arthritis usually include:
- Strength and mobility work specific to racquet sports
- Modifying activities, including adjusting frequency or intensity
- Implementing load management, especially during tournaments or heavy play periods
- Targeted physical therapy to improve joint support and mechanics.
None of this means giving up the sport or stepping away from competition. It just means being intentional with how you treat your body both on and off the court.
It may become necessary to pursue other medical treatments when pain begins to interfere with quality of life. This could include injection therapy — the Academy of Orthopedic Surgery recently came out in support of PRP1 (platelet-rich plasma) injections as a beneficial treatment for arthritis¹ — as well as surgical options. While surgery will sideline you temporarily, sometimes it’s the best bet for continuing to play long term.
Early planning presents the most options
Remember, arthritis damage accumulates over time, so it’s beneficial to identify it and take action early. While there’s no cure for the condition, there are effective ways to manage it so you can continue your lifestyle in comfort.
Even though playing through pain and discomfort are part of the culture for tennis players and other athletes, listening to your body is often the better choice. If you’re feeling aches and pains in your joints every time you play, or if the pain lingers long after you’ve left the court, it’s probably the right time for a conversation with an orthopedic specialist.
After all, the goal isn’t just to keep playing. It’s to keep playing in the long run without being in pain or discomfort.
Are you playing through possible arthritis pain? Schedule a consultation at Resurgens Orthopaedics today so we can find the best way to keep you on the court.
[1] 1. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) for Knee Osteoarthritis Technology Overview. American Academy of Orthpaedic Surgeons. August 25, 2021. Accessed Jan. 16, 2026. https://www.aaos.org/globalassets/quality-and-practice-resources/biologics/technology-overview_prp-for-knee-oa.pdf.
