What is the best Pickleball Paddle for Arthritis?

/ Pickleball / By Travis

In the US, almost 25% of all adults suffer from arthritis. Which means when you step out on the pickleball court during the weekend, its likely that 1 in 4 adults playing will suffer from this condition that affects your joints. If this is you, and you also suffer from arthritis, you might be asking yourself – what paddle are they using? Does it help alleviate pain during play? And if not, what is the best pickleball paddle for arthritis? If this is you, you’ve come to the right place. We will answer all of these questions and more.

A quick rundown of the best pickleball paddles for Arthritis:

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and it’s a condition that affects a good many Pickleballers out there. Arthritis is essentially an inflammation of the joints, which can cause pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. The fascinating thing about arthritis is that it’s not just a disease that affects the elderly. In fact, it can strike people of all ages and backgrounds, from athletes to office workers, and as we know, Pickleball is a sport that is played by all age groups.

Arthritis of the hands, wrists and elbows are especially important to monitor as you play pickleball, and are an important consideration when picking the right pickleball paddle.

Can too much pickleball cause arthritis?

There really is no clear evidence telling us that playing too much pickleball can cause arthritis. Arthritis is a condition that results from other things like genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. In general, however, overuse of the joints can lead to strain and injury, but this is true for those of us without arthritis as well. In fact, if you are looking to prevent arthritis, regular exercise, including playing pickleball, can be beneficial for joint health and may help reduce the risk of developing the condition. It’s best to avoid overexertion, as pushing yourself too hard can increase the risk of injury and may exacerbate existing joint problems.

How often should I play Pickleball if I have arthritis?

Always consult your doctor about how often you should play pickleball given your unique arthritis condition. It has a lot to do with the pain associated with play as well. Playing doubles pickleball will be less of a load on your body and joints than singles, and only a playing a few doubles games a couple times a week will be much easier to bear than playing singles Pickeball 5 times a week.

What Pickleball paddles are BAD for arthritis?

There are certain feature of a paddle that might cause pain to people with arthritis.. These include paddles that are too heavy may put extra strain on the joints and muscles, causing more pain and discomfort during play, paddles with handles that are too small or too large may be uncomfortable to grip, leading to strain and fatigue in the hands and wrists and paddles that transmit vibration upon impact of a pickleball that flow into your arms and wrist causing pain.

What makes a good pickleball paddle for arthritis?

Building off the last section, when picking a pickleball paddle, you will want a paddle that will cause the least amount of strain on your fingers, wrist, and arm. That is why having a comfortable grip and a paddle that is lightweight are both key. However, if your paddle is lightweight but crappy and doesn’t have a large sweet spot, then you’re going to be putting more force into the pickleball to make easy shots than perhaps a slightly heavier paddle that has a lot of spunk and a large sweet spot. So having a quality paddle here is key, and just because it is lightweight doesn’t mean it is an ideal paddle for your unique case of arthritis. There is always a balance to be stricken here.

Best Overall Pickleball Paddle for Arthritis – ProKennex Pro Flight Pickleball Paddle

ProKennex makes amazing paddles. This is especially true for those suffering from any type of joint pain due to a few reasons, making it really the best bet for arthritis sufferers. Their proprietary Kinetic technology reduces harmful shock and vibration, which can help reduce soreness and fatigue in the wrist, elbow, and shoulder, thus minimizing the risk of injury to the arm. This is especially important for arthritis sufferers who may experience more pain and discomfort due to these vibrations. Many customers have reported that the shock absorption provided by the paddle has helped them play pain-free, even with pre-existing elbow pain.

Also, the paddle’s Cloud Core technology also reduces its weight, making it easier to swing and maneuver, which can be beneficial for those with arthritis who may have less strength and mobility.

Overall, the combination of Kinetic and Cloud Core technology, along with the Diamond Frost micro texture coating, makes the ProKennex Pro Flight Pickleball Paddle an excellent choice for arthritis sufferers looking for a high-performance paddle that can help reduce discomfort and fatigue during play.

Best Runner Up – Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro

Its a very close 2nd, but the Tempest Wave Pro pickleball paddle is another incredible choice for arthritis sufferers. This paddle allows players to reach the highest levels of performance with ease and with minimal pain.

This is professional pickleball paddle also boasts smart response technology, delivering a driving force behind every hit, all while maintaining control. . Its precision and speed make it easy to place the ball exactly where you want it.

More importantly though, the Tempest Wave Pro comes equipped with a durable, high-tack performance grip, available in both Thin and Standard sizes. This is a world class designed grip that is comfortable and effective for controlling the paddle. The paddle is also fairly lightweight and absorbs contact very well, keeping little to no vibration. This pickleball paddle is an amazing choice choice for those seeking to improve their game while alleviating the pain and discomfort of arthritis.

Best Budget Pickleball Paddle for Arthritis – SLK Evo Hybrid Pickleball Paddle

If the price of the 1st couple of paddles on this list terrifies you, then check out the Evo Hybrid Pickleball paddle. This is an excellent budget-friendly option for players suffering from arthritis. The paddle’s Ultra-Comfort Grip material, designed to absorb both perspiration and impacts, helps to reduce fatigue during long gameplay intervals. This makes it ideal for players with arthritis, who may experience joint pain and discomfort during extended periods of play.

The paddle’s lightweight design, weighing only 7.6-8oz, allows for quick and easy maneuverability, further reducing the strain on arthritic joints. Multiple customer reviews have reported that this paddle reduced the elbow and shoulder pain they were experiencing. The large sweet spot of the paddle face provides excellent power and control, making it easy to hit accurate shots and reduce the need for repetitive movements.

Overall, the Evo Hybrid Pickleball paddle is an exceptional option for budget-conscious players who want a comfortable, lightweight paddle that provides excellent power and control. The one drawback is that the quality is just a step or two down from the other paddles on this list. Many customers also complaigned that the handle wasn’t very durable even if it reduced vibration somewhat. But if you only have a budget of 80 or 90 dollars, this is the paddle for you.

Best Round Shaped Pickleball Paddle for Arthritis – PROKENNEX Ovation Flight Pickleball Paddle

If you prefer a round pickleball paddle, this Prokennex paddle is the one you should buy. It is almost the same as the Pro Flight paddle featured in this article, with a few minor differences.

Firstly, the Ovation Flight is designed with wind-resistant edgeless construction and thin core technology, which makes it lighter and more maneuverable compared to the Pro Flight. This may be beneficial for players who prioritize speed and agility on the court. The Ovation Flight is also described as having unparalleled tip speed, which may be helpful for players who rely on quick reactions and fast swings.

Overall, this may be beneficial for players who value control and precision in their shots, and want slightly less weight. However, both paddles share many more similarities than differences, including the Cloud Cell poly core and the replaceable Air-O-Guard edge guard. They also have the same weight range, grip style, grip circumference, handle length, and paddle face material.

Conclusion

Arthritis is a disease that affects the joints, causing pain, stiffness and limited mobility, and many avid pickleballers live with arthritis. It can affect your pickleball life, but there are ways to mitigate pain when playing – on eof these ways is to buy the right paddle. Paddles that are too heavy, have small or large handles or that transmit vibration causing pain. The best Pickleball paddles for arthritis include ProKennex Pro Flight Pickleball Paddle, Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro and a few other key paddles that are lightweight and absorb shock and vibration well. Each of these paddles has features that help reduce the risk of pain and injury for people with arthritis.