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Injury & Recovery
Stay on the court and bounce back faster with braces, supports and cold therapy from McDavid, Shock Doctor, EC3D and Freeze Sleeve. Support for the ankles, knees and elbow that pickleball tends to test.
How to choose: for a joint you're protecting or coming back to, a firmer brace gives the most support; for soreness and swelling, cold-therapy and compression sleeves speed recovery.
For pickleball or tennis elbow, many players use a counterforce strap worn just below the elbow to take pressure off the tendon. Options include the Zamst Elbow Band, the Nike Pro Elbow Band 3.0, the McDavid Level 2 Elbow Strap with Pads, and the EC3D Compressive Epicondylitis Brace. A lighter paddle from our lightweight paddles can also help. If pain persists, see a doctor or physiotherapist.
It depends on how much support you need. For light support and warmth, a sleeve like the Nike Pro Ankle Sleeve or McDavid Level 1 Ankle Sleeve works well. For players with a history of sprains, firmer Level 3 braces, like the McDavid Ankle Brace with Straps, Lace-Up with Stays or Phantom, limit rolling on quick lateral moves. Pair any brace with proper court shoes.
For general support and warmth, a compression sleeve like the Nike Pro Knit Knee Sleeve is comfortable for long sessions. For more stability, the McDavid Level 2 Knee Support with Stays, Level 2 Knee Sleeve with Gel Buttress or NRG Knee Brace with Spring Hinge add more structure, and the McDavid Level 2 Knee Strap targets patellar tendon discomfort. Ask a healthcare professional which level suits your knee.
McDavid rates its supports by level. Level 1 is light compression for warmth and minor soreness, like elastic sleeves. Level 2 adds moderate support with features such as straps, stays or gel buttresses. Level 3 offers maximum support for joints that are recovering from injury or prone to sprains. Choose the lowest level that gives you confidence on the court.
Many players use kinesiology tape for light support on the elbow, wrist, knee or shoulder without the bulk of a brace. The KT Tape 20 Precut Strips and KT Tape PRO 20 Precut Strips are pre-cut for easy application, and the PRO version is designed for longer wear and sweat. Follow the application guide for your area, and see a professional for persistent pain.
A small kit helps you deal with minor knocks on the spot. Players often carry the Sports Doctor 2 First Aid Kit, Renfrew Pro Grade Medical Tape and Foam Under Wrap, and Trudz Analgesic Spray or Cream. After play, the Freeze Sleeve provides cold and compression therapy, and McDavid Compression Calf Sleeves support recovery. Keep everything organized in your pickleball bag.