Pickleball is a kind of recreational sport that rose to fame in the US in recent past. This fastest growing sport is popular among the people in the mid and old ages as it is easy to learn and a form of low impact sport.
According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), there was a 12.3% increase from the previous year in the number of Pickleball players in 2017.
Do you know how many pickleball players in the US? A study proved that the number of pickleball players in the US has increased at a lightning speed in 2023 with a 22 million players engaged in playing Pickleball as part of their health routine.
Along with the growing infatuation to Pickleball, there is an alarming Pickleball injuries on the rise reported to the ER in the recent years.
Before delving into the cause and types of Pickleball injuries and the prevention methods, let’s know the interesting origin of Pickleball.
Origin of Pickleball
According to an article published in the PubMed journal, Pickleball was developed by a former congressman, Joel Pritchard and his friend in 1965. It was a merged form of tennis, badminton and Ping-Pong. They improvised the “wooden Ping-Pong paddles and a perforated plastic ball.” They developed some rules for playing Pickleball. Later it was adopted by people all over the states and rose to fame.
It is interesting to know how it got its fancy name. As per one report, this popular sport was named after Pritchard’s dog, Pickles. Another report said that Pritchard’s wife called it Pickleball as she was reminded of the “pickle boat in crew, where oarsmen were chosen from the leftovers from other boats.”
Why is pickleball so popular all of a sudden? This sport has become the favorite of the older generation who wanted to be active as “the scoring system is not especially complicated; the ball is a Wiffle ball, which doesn’t pick up as much spin — making the bounce more predictable; and the paddle is more forgiving, so new players inexperienced in racket sports can quickly learn how to make good contact with the ball,” says Dr. Song, a sports medicine physician at Houston Methodist.
He added that, “I think the No. 1 reason there are so many injuries in Pickleball stems from its broad appeal…The average person — regardless of age or athletic ability — can just pick up a paddle and play, not considering that they may not be conditioned or ready for that kind of rigor on the body.”
What does the pickleball injury statistics say?
A new research report presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) 2024, “Trends in Pickleball- Related Fractures in the United States: An Analysis of the 2002-2022 National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) Database” has identified a ninety-fold increase in Pickleball related fractures in players aged 60-69 during the past five years.
The most prevalent Pickleball injuries in seniors were upper extremity injuries in women aged sixty-five or more. Decreased bone strength of the women post menopause was guessed to be the reason for this trend. 2.3% more men were admitted in hospitals for a fracture in the lower extremities like fractures to the femur, hip and trunk.
Kurt P. Spindler, MD, FAAOS, orthopedic surgeon at Cleveland Clinic in Florida said that people with osteoporosis can be at higher risk of getting injured while playing Pickleball.
Yasmin Ghattas, one of the research students involved in the study stated that they had used the data base of CPSC’s National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), which included details of injuries collated from around 100 ER centers. From the database, they had identified 377 Pickleball injuries during 2002-2022. This number increases to approximately 5,400 when the entire US population is considered, says the NBC News.
NBC News pointed put another unpublished study co-authored by Bowman, which found that pickleball injuries escalated the rising fame of sport’s popularity during 2017-2022. What is the most common Pickleball injury? Soft tissue injury is identified as the most common Pickleball injury, says NBC.
How many Pickleball injuries per year? A 2019 study published in the Journal of Emergency Medicine estimated that around 19,000 pickleball injuries occur per year nationwide.
According to the UBS Pickleball injuries analysis 2021, Pickleball injuries led to medical costs around $250 to $500 million annually, says the AXIOS.
These pickleball injuries statistics point out to only one significant thing, i.e. training, caution and knowing how to avoid pickleball injuries are necessary in preventing these injuries.
What are the most common Pickleball injuries?
There is no specific injury identified pertaining to Pickleball- according to the new AAOS research. However, depending on the results associated with other racket sports like tennis, badminton, squash and so on, we can identify some acute and chronic injuries. Based on that, we can associate the below given Pickleball injuries list as the possible outcome of Pickleball related injuries.
- Achilles tendon injuries: Quick movements to the side, jumping or turning your body swiftly can strain your Achilles tendon. Stressing the tendons over time can lead to tendon tears, pain, swelling and stiffness.
- Ankle sprains: Rapid movement of the foot in wrong directions can cause ankle sprains. It is a common foot injury from playing Pickleball.
- Eye injuries: According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, some of the most common Pickleball eye injuries reported are corneal abrasion, Berlin’s edema and retinal tear or detachment.
- Head injuries: Concussions are the most common Pickleball head injuries, which are mostly overlooked but dangerous ones.
- Hamstring strains: The hamstring muscles at the back of the thigh giving a pulling pain during a sudden movement hints that you have made a wrong movement while playing Pickleball.
- Knee arthritis flare: Knee arthritis can be exacerbated due to the sudden movements but it can either subside at once or increase based on the intensity of your moves. If there is an arthritis flare up, just stay away from the game for a while.
- Knee injuries: Pickleball knee injuries like MCL and LCL strains or sprains are sprain in collateral ligaments. This is caused by the sudden pivoting movements or sudden starting or stopping during the game. Some of these movements also can result in ligament tears.
- Lumbar disc herniation: Hyper extensions and eccentric movements of the lower back can lead to lumbar disc herniations. Is pickleball bad for your back? Yes. People with lower back issues like lumbar disc herniation should stay away from playing the game.
- Metatarsalgia: Metatarsalgia and neuromas can occur due to the stress fractures or inflammation from the sharp twists and turns during the game.
- Plantar fasciitis: It is one of the frequently reported Pickleball foot injuries.
- Rotator cuff tears: Reaching overhead with a lot of force can end up in Pickleball shoulder injuries like rotator cuff tears, necessitating surgeries.
- Shoulder and hip labral tears: Hip and shoulder labral tears can be identified from the excruciating pain during the shoulder and hip movements. Sudden movements to the hip or shoulder can lead to labral tears.
- Strains or tears in calf: Sudden sharp or burning pain in the calf may indicate a Pickleball calf injury like strain or tear. Playing without proper warm up can end in calf strains.
- Tennis and golfer’s elbow: These kinds of Pickleball elbow injuries occur due to the overuse of the forearm muscles. Inflammation, pain, micro tears and weakness can result from these elbow injuries.
- Wrist tendinitis or tendonitis: Pickleball wrist injuries like tendonitis can result from the repetitive motions of the wrist and holding the paddle too tightly.
Traumatic injuries can also occur from falls due to sudden turn or spinning movement. Most of the chronic Pickleball injuries can result from repetitive stress. Following improper techniques and other accidents in the court also can contribute to the rising injuries.
How to prevent Pickleball injuries?
Pickleball injuries can be prevented by following certain methods discussed below.
- Proper Warm-Up and Cool-Down
Begin each session with a dynamic warm-up to prepare your muscles and joints for the activity ahead. Focus on exercises that increase heart rate and loosen up the shoulders, elbows, knees, and ankles. After completing your game, engage in a cool-down routine with static stretching to help muscles recover and reduce stiffness.
- Technique and Training
Improving your playing technique not only enhances performance but also minimizes the risk of injury. Consider taking lessons from a certified instructor who can correct improper forms, such as the way you swing the racket or move on the court. Additionally, incorporate strength and flexibility training into your routine to support the muscles used in pickleball.
- Use Proper Equipment
Wearing the right shoes is crucial in pickleball. Opt for court-specific footwear that offers good support and traction to prevent slips and falls. Using a paddle that suits your skill level and strength can also help avoid overexertion injuries.
- Play on Suitable Surfaces
Playing on a well-maintained, appropriate surface can significantly reduce injury risk. Avoid playing on wet, uneven, or damaged courts that can lead to falls or twisted ankles.
- Listen to Your Body
Pay attention to what your body tells you. Rest and recovery are just as important as active play. If you experience pain or discomfort, give yourself time to heal before returning to the court. Ignoring these signals can turn minor issues into serious injuries.
- Stay Hydrated and Nutritionally Balanced
Proper hydration and nutrition play a key role in injury prevention. Staying hydrated helps maintain joint lubrication, while a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can support muscle recovery and strength.
- Cross-Training
Incorporating cross-training into your fitness regimen can enhance your pickleball performance while reducing your risk of injury. Activities like yoga, swimming, or cycling can improve your cardiovascular health, flexibility, and muscle strength, providing a solid physical foundation for pickleball.
- Recovery and Self-Care
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of recovery and self-care. Techniques such as foam rolling, massage, or even taking an occasional ice bath can aid in muscle recovery and prevent stiffness. Prioritize sufficient sleep to support your body’s healing processes.
In wrapping up, while pickleball offers numerous physical and social benefits, awareness and preventive measures are key to avoiding pickleball accident injuries. By warming up properly, improving techniques, choosing the right equipment, and listening to your body, you can enjoy the game safely. Remember, the goal is not to play well but play for more years to come. Whether you are an expert player or new to Pickleball, taking these precautious steps can help ensure that pickleball remains a healthy and enjoyable part to your life.
