Anyone For Tennis? Leading Sports & Exercise Medicine Consultant Serves Up “ace Advice” To Help Give Keen Tennis Players An Advantage On Their Knee Health This Summer!

With padel courts popping up across every corner of the UK it’s little wonder that the popular “tennis-squash” hybrid is said to be the one of the most rapidly growing sports in the UK.

The last round of figures released by the LTA (the Lawn Tennis Association) showed that almost half a million people were said to be playing padel at least once a year, with over 50,000 people now playing twice a month.

But, with all eyes now on Wimbledon 2026, comes the seasonal surge of enthusiasm as keen amateurs across the UK flock to their local clubs and courts, inspired to join in the fun! However,  what are the potential pitfalls of picking up a racket without proper preparation – or for those who continue to play with nagging knee pain and persistent injury?

So, we asked leading Sports and Exercise Medicine Consultant, Dr George Bownes of Citius Health to share his insight and advice on how to avoid injury as well as exploring innovative treatment options  – such as the pioneering hydrogel injection, Arthrosamid® to help treat the pain and discomfort associated with knee osteoarthritis (OA).

With the recent popularity in padel – possibly overtaking tennis as the racquet sport of choice in 2026! – are you starting to see more patients in clinic presenting with knee pain and inquiry?

Dr Bownes says; “I really believe that it’s so important to support every patient’s choice of activity, whilst also making them aware of the differing demands of each type of sport, so they can avoid and reduce their risk of injury.

At this stage of the season, the contrast between clay and grass is especially relevant. We’re now at the end of the clay court season. You’ll notice that the ball bounces quite high during rallies on this surface, when compared to the incoming grass season where the ball stays much lower. That lower bounce means players often have to bend more deeply, which can place additional strain on the knees and lower back, compared to clay.

Padel which is becoming increasing popular, generally produces a higher bounce than grass but not as high as clay courts in tennis. It therefore behaves more like a tennis “hard court”. The ground reaction force from the surface – and, therefore, the force going through the body – means that players with knee osteoarthritis (OA) may notice more discomfort if they play padel regularly on harder courts.

In the past few years, I’ve treated a growing number of my patients with the minimally invasive, single hydrogel injection, Arthrosamid®. Post treatment, many patients are reporting that their knees feel better playing padel regardless of how hard the court is surface and can take part more regularly and comfortably.

How can keen tennis players help to protect themselves from potential pain and injury?

Essentially, tennis players of all levels can reduce the risk of both acute injuries and longer-term pain by preparing properly! A good warm-up, regular strength work, mobility training and well-fitted footwear all help to protect the knees, as well as ankles, shoulders and lower back. It is also important to build up court time gradually, allow enough recovery between sessions and avoid playing through persistent pain, as this can turn a minor issue into a chronic problem. If symptoms keep returning, early assessment by a sports medicine specialist can help identify the cause and guide treatment, before the injury becomes more serious.

The LTA annually always reports a surge in players taking up the game in the summer months post Wimbledon! As a leading SEM Consultant, what’s your No.1 tip for those wanting to take up the game for the first time – or returning after some time out

Joining a local club is often the best way to meet like-minded people and access regular coaching if you’re new to the game – as well as easing yourself back in and reconnecting with the sport if you’ve not played for a while. Leagues and ladders can also help you enjoy the sport while building confidence, maintaining motivation and improving your tennis over time.”

If a player unfortunately suffers an injury – or develops conditions such as knee osteoarthritis – due to playing racquet sports regularly, what steps can they take to get themselves back on the court?

There’s no denying it; this is a very common reason for people coming into a sports medicine clinic. However, doctor-led services are really one of the most effective ways of helping to ensure that patients are assessed and investigated appropriately, so that a tailored management plan can be created, facilitating a safe and supported return to the court, followed by structured rehabilitation.”