From strained knees and broken teeth to more serious injuries requiring surgical intervention — the rapidly growing popularity of padel tennis in Latvia is increasingly associated with accidents during play. The Latvian insurance company reports that last year it received its first claims for insurance payouts related to injuries sustained in padel tennis, and this year their number continues to grow.
Knees and Shoulders Are Most Often Injured
The year 2025 in Latvia has been marked by a rise in the popularity of padel tennis, which is clearly reflected in the accident insurance sector. Data from ERGO shows that padel players most frequently injure their knees and shoulders, but other cases have also been recorded, such as when a person hit their own front teeth with a racket and broke one of them. The situations described in the claims indicate that injuries most often occur as a result of sudden movements, stops, or unsuccessful landings.
"We urge everyone who wants to try this sport to consult with specialists — coaches or physiotherapists — to learn how to play padel as safely as possible and without unnecessary risks," said ERGO.
The largest payout for accident insurance due to an injury sustained in padel this year reached 2000 euros. One player on the court suddenly felt a sharp pain in the lower part of his leg, and it turned out that he had seriously damaged his Achilles tendon. Meanwhile, 1160 euros were paid to a man who required surgery after a shoulder injury sustained while playing padel.
Warm Up and Don’t Overload Yourself!
Certified physiotherapist and representative of Fiziocentrs Madara Puzule-Adamsone explains that padel tennis is a dynamic sport that actively engages the entire body, but the greatest load falls on the arms, shoulders, torso, and legs. These body parts must be strong and stable enough to withstand the increased load and avoid injuries caused by overexertion.
"Most often, injuries in padel players affect the shoulders and elbows due to repetitive strikes, as well as the knees and ankles during sudden movements, stops, and landings. In these cases, sprains, ruptures of the Achilles tendon, and meniscus injuries are most frequently diagnosed. The lower back is also often overloaded, as many rotational movements are required during play. The main causes of injuries are insufficient physical preparation, lack of warm-up, overloading, and ignoring existing injuries," emphasizes the physiotherapist.
