The Most Common Badminton Injuries
by: Chin Yi Khern, Physiotherapist, Regis Wellness
Last updated: Febuary 6, 2026
Badminton is considered one of the most popular racket games played in Singapore. This sport is played by people of different age groups and can be played in schools, community centres, and sports halls. Badminton is a quick and dynamic sport that requires quickness, agility, coordination, and power. This sport also offers a good cardiovascular exercise along with reflex and fitness benefits due to constant jumping, lunge actions, and smashing actions required in badminton.
Despite badminton being considered a light racket sport, it still carries a risk of injury. Badminton requires quick changes of direction, constant overhead actions, and landing actions, which put great stress on muscles and joints.
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Common Badminton Injuries
Badminton is a sport that requires the use of the entire body, especially the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, ankles, and lower back. It is an explosive sport, and injuries may be sustained in any part of the body.
Badminton Shoulder Injuries
The shoulder is one of the most frequently used joints in the game of badminton, particularly when making overhead shots like smash, clear, and drop shots. Frequent overhead actions can put excessive strain on the shoulder joint, especially if the action is poorly executed or if there is a lack of strength. Some of the common injuries sustained by players in badminton, particularly in the shoulder region, are as follows:
- Rotator cuff tendinopathy: Inflammation or wear and tear of the tendons of the rotator cuff, usually as a result of frequent overhead swinging
- Shoulder impingement: Pinching of the tendons in the shoulder, resulting in pain and loss of mobility
- Labral tears: Tears in the cartilage that holds the shoulder joint in place, usually as a result of forced and poorly controlled overhead swinging
Players who use their arm strength to generate power, rather than using their leg and trunk strength, are more prone to shoulder injuries.
Badminton Elbow Injuries
In addition to knee injuries, elbow injuries also occur in badminton players, especially among regular players.
- Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow): pain on the outer elbow due to overuse of the forearm extensor muscles
- Medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow): pain on the inner elbow due to overuse of the forearm muscles
- In badminton players, injuries in the elbow area might result from improper grip techniques and equipment grip size and excessive training.
Badminton Wrist and Hand Injuries
In badminton, the wrist is an essential area in the generation of speed and control in shots and strokes. In badminton, wrist injuries and hand injuries frequently occur as a result of wrist flicks and the transmission of forces through the racket handle. Common badminton wrist and hand injuries:
- Wrist tendonitis
- Ligament sprains
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: compression of the median nerve in the wrist area and numbness in the hands
Lower Body Injuries in Badminton
As badminton involves constant lunging, jumping, and explosive movements, badminton injuries, especially those of the lower body, are common. The injuries of the lower body include:
- Ankle sprains, resulting from sudden direction changes, awkward landings, and slipping on the court surfaces
- Knee injuries, such as patellar tendonitis, also known as “jumper’s knee,” and meniscus injuries, resulting from constant jumping and lunging movements during badminton games and matches
- Lower back injuries, resulting from constant twisting and bending movements during badminton games and matches
How to Prevent Common Badminton Injuries
Although injuries in badminton are prevalent, many of these can be prevented effectively with proper preparation and knowledge.
Proper Warm Up
A proper warm-up is necessary before engaging in a game of badminton, as it readies the body for high-speed and high-impact movements. Warming up the body helps in the following ways:
- Increases blood flow to the muscles
- Raises the temperature of the muscles
- Improves joint mobility and flexibility
- Readies the body for explosive jumps, lunges, and quick direction changes
Basic badminton warm-up exercises include the following:
- Light jogging or skipping
- Dynamic stretches for the hips, calves, shoulders, and wrists
- Sport-specific drills like shadow swings and lunges
Use Proper Technique
The risk of injury can also be increased if a player does not have efficient technique, as this can cause power to come from the shoulder, elbow, and lower back instead of the legs and back. Players, especially beginners and recreational badminton enthusiasts, can benefit from coaching to improve their techniques in the following aspects:
- Overhead Swing Technique
- Footwork and Court Positioning
- Body Position during Lunge and Jump Shots
Efficient techniques not only improve a player’s performance but also prevent injuries to the joints and muscles.
Use Appropriate Equipment
The use of appropriate equipment is one of the most significant factors in the prevention of injury:
- Racket: If the racket is too heavy, or the grip size is inappropriate, this can put undue strain on the wrist, elbow, and shoulder
- Footwear: The use of appropriate badminton shoes with good grips and support can help prevent slips and ankle injuries
The selection of appropriate equipment is particularly significant for regular players, depending on their level of play and physical build.
Staying Injury Free
Badminton is an extremely rewarding and fun sport. However, its fast-paced and monotonous nature can make players prone to injuries if precautions are not taken. Therefore, by properly warming up and using proper techniques and equipment, you can minimise injuries from playing badminton.
If you are experiencing any persistent pain and would like professional advice on how to prevent and manage injuries while playing badminton, consider consulting one of our Regis Physiotherapists for professional advice. By staying injury-free, you can continue enjoying your game while giving your best performance.
Prevent Common Badminton Injuries with Regis Wellness
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