Serving up some “ace advice” to help give your knee health an advantage at the start of the UK’s summer season of tennis

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, when the sun starts to shine (hopefully) and the strawberries ripen…all eyes will be on SW19 again and the official highlight of the summer’s season of tennis – Wimbledon!  

Just as the dust is brushed off from the clay courts of Paris, the world’s top tennis stars descend on the green lawns of London for two weeks of the prestigious Queen's Club tennis tournament, followed by a fabulous fortnight at the jewel in the crown of the tennis tour!  

And with this annual renewed interest in the game, 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! 

But 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 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.” 

In the recent Netflix documentary, tennis legend, Rafa Nadal spoke candidly about suffering with a chronic injury during his career. But what can “amateur enthusiasts” learn from a pro such as Rafa? 

“The highly acclaimed Netflix show, “Rafa” shows how he – like all elite players – relies on expert opinion and advice on a daily basis for his injuries and works with a trusted group of leading doctors, physiotherapists as well as coaches. This allows Rafa to train, perform & recover exceptionally well over a prolonged period. 

However, the key learning here, for recreational players, is never to ignore or push through potential injuries; if something doesn’t feel right or you’re concerned about injury, please do reach out for an assessment and expert medical support from a Sports Medicine Doctor, and seek an accurate diagnosis, which will lead you onto a multidisciplinary treatment plan.  

This sensible approach will help you to manage your body better and enjoy and stay active in the sports you enjoy – whatever your level.” 

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. 

Citius Health has helped many recreational and retired athletes who are living with knee osteoarthritis (but really keen to avoid surgery), return to tennis, thanks to the Arthrosamid® injection, administered in an outpatient setting, followed by structured rehabilitation.  

Just one example of a tennis ‘success story’ is my patient, Gill Collier from Oxfordshire, who for many years had played to a very high-level and on a regular basis but whose knee pain was starting to make the game unbearable.” 

Gill explains; “My left knee soon went from ‘ouchy’ to ‘agony’ and it really was starting to have a detrimental effect on my mood.  I tried not to make a fuss or allow the chronic pain to affect my quality of life but eventually, I had to stop playing tennis.  

“I couldn’t really garden any longer, climbing up and down the stairs was excruciating…I was losing my fitness and knew I had to do something about the situation. 

“Following further research and on recommendation of my son, I booked an appointment with Dr George Bownes and, once he’d assessed my knee and agreed I’d be an eligible patient, he treated me with the Arthrosamid® injection. That was in August 2025 and I can honestly say I haven’t looked back! In fact, my only regret is that I didn’t do it before. 

“Post injection, I really took care not to run before I could walk! I did all the rehab and followed George’s advice to the letter - which I believe really helped with my overall recovery. I now recognise the impact and intensity of tennis on one’s knees and I’m not sure I’ll ever return to playing at quite the same competitive level - but I’m really enjoying playing recreationally. A main driving force is just to have fun – and be able to teach my three young grandchildren how to play – without any pain. 

For more information about Citius Health, please go to: https://www.citius.health/  

And, to find a clinic near you offering Arthrosamid injection – there are now over 400 worldwide  – just go to: https://arthrosamid.com/find-a-clinic