Pickleball, hailed as the fastest-growing sport in the country for the fourth consecutive year, has captivated millions of sports enthusiasts. It attracts players of all ages and skill levels as it combines the elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. The sport also promises retirees, weekend warriors, and seasoned athletes unmatched accessibility and a social nature.
Unfortunately, the meteoric rise of pickleball has led to a concerning increase in injuries, with more and more players visiting emergency rooms and orthopaedic clinics for treatment. What are the risks associated with the sport, and how do you keep yourself safe?
Increasing Number of Pickleball Injuries
In a startling trend, the number of pickleball-related injuries in U.S. emergency departments has seen a significant uptick. From 2020 to 2022, for instance, there was a staggering 91% increase, with reports jumping from 8,894 to 16,997.
This sharp climb is alarming and raises a major question: Why are pickleball injuries becoming more common? Here’s why…
Inadequate Knowledge and Preparation
Pickleball was invented in 1965 by neighbors who did not have a complete set of badminton equipment but had ping pong paddles and a Wiffle ball. It has been six decades since, but the sport remains relatively young. As such, many players still lack insight into proper techniques, warmups, and conditioning.
In older sports like tennis, most players already have years of experience. Moreover, expert guidance on footwork, balance, and endurance is widely available. In contrast, pickleball sees enthusiasts jumping into the game with little training, making injuries more possible.
Increasing Participation
With an estimated 19.8 million pickleball players across the country in 2024, the sheer growth in participation is bound to result in more harm. The sport is particularly popular among middle-aged and older adults, many of whom may have preexisting joint or muscle issues. Furthermore, as games become competitive, players push themselves hard, escalating the risk of falls, collisions, and overexertion.
Fast, Jerky Movements
At first glance, pickleball may not appear as physically demanding as tennis, basketball, or soccer. In reality, it involves frequent lateral movements, sudden stops, quick pivots, and rapid reactions to the ball’s unpredictable trajectory. These fast, jerky motions place stress on various muscles and joints. Repetitive swinging motions can also cause overuse injuries, particularly in the wrists, elbows, and rotator cuffs.
Preventing Pickleball Injuries
The most frequently reported pickleball injuries include bruises and abrasions, shoulder pain, elbow, wrist, and knee strains, and ankle sprains. The good news is that most of these issues are preventable. What are three things you can do to stay safe when playing pickleball?
Strength and Flexibility Training
Building strength in key muscle groups stabilizes joints and absorbs impact during play. Core strength is particularly important for balance and coordination, while leg and ankle strength protect against strains and sprains.
Flexibility exercises like stretching and yoga improve range of motion and reduce muscle stiffness. The more flexible you are, the more unrestricted your movements will be.
Proper Warmup
Warming up before stepping onto the court is crucial, regardless of what you are playing. Prepare your muscles and joints for movement through dynamic stretching, light jogging, and mobility exercises. Have a five-to-ten-minute warmup routine incorporating arm circles, lunges, and short sprints.
Proper Form and Technique
Pickleball players should focus on using their whole body when swinging rather than overloading certain parts. When reaching for shots, maintaining a low stance and bending the knees are ideal for lower body power. Additionally, moving efficiently on the court instead of reacting with sudden, uncontrolled motions can help conserve energy.
Recover with OrthoUnited
Injuries can still happen even with the best preparation. Whether you are just learning pickleball in or have been playing for years, know that any sports injury requires professional assessment and treatment. At OrthoUnited, our team of sports medicine specialists is dedicated to supporting athletes in recovering quickly and safely. Our orthopaedic-specific Express Care—with locations in North Canton and Canton—is designed to treat injuries as soon as possible so you can avoid the emergency room.
We understand the demands of pickleball as a sport and offer patients personalized and advanced treatment plans. We designed our services for convenience, with online scheduling, same-day appointments, and after-hours care available to everyone. With us, you never have to wait days to feel and move better.
Get back on the court with fast relief from OrthoUnited specialists. Schedule an appointment online today!
