Pickleball Injury Statistics

Pickleball has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years, captivating players of all ages with its dynamic blend of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. 

Pickleball, which is played with a perforated plastic ball and wooden paddles on a badminton-sized court, is the fastest growing sport in the U.S., with the number of players rising from 4.8 million in 2021 to 8.9 million in 2023, according to USA Pickleball. 

While the sport offers numerous physical health benefits, it’s essential to acknowledge the potential for injuries. This analysis by Atlanta personal injury attorneys at Piasta Walker Hagenbush LLC delves into the latest data on pickleball injuries, identifying common injury types and risk factors.

What Is The Most Common Pickleball Injury?

The most common pickleball injuries primarily stem from the sport’s quick-paced nature and the physical demands it places on the body, especially during sudden movements and intense rallies.

Common pickleball injuries include soft tissue injuries such as sprained ankles, knee injuries, ACL injuries, rotator cuff injuries, worsening of arthritis, Achilles tendon tears/strains, and bone fractures.

• In a recent study on pickleball-related injuries in the ER, 90% of the injuries affected people aged 50 and older and approximately half were either sprains or fractures. 
• The most frequently reported injury among pickleball players is a sprained ankle, typically caused by quick lateral movements and sudden changes in direction.
• Bone fractures related to pickleball have increased 200% over the last 20 years, according to a data analysis by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
• In a study conducted on pickleball fracture injuries, 92% of these injuries occurred during falls.
• A majority of fracture injuries reported were in upper-body bones, such as those in the forearms and hands.

Does Pickleball Have a High Injury Rate?

Pickleball has a relatively high injury rate, particularly among older adults who make up a large portion of the sport’s participants. While pickleball is often seen as a low-impact and accessible sport, the quick movements, sudden direction changes, and repetitive motions involved in playing can lead to injuries.

• A total of 397 pickleball-related bone fractures were recorded between 2002 and 2022 according to the National Library of Medicine.
• Women, especially those ages 65 and older, were more likely than men to experience a fracture injury according to the NEISS.
• While women had more fractures overall, research on data from the NEISS found that men were 2.3 times more likely to be admitted to the hospital after breaking a bone.
• Studies have shown a significant age difference in men who were discharged from the emergency room and admitted to the hospital, which was not found in women.

Is Age a Risk Factor for Pickleball-Related Injuries?

While pickleball is popular among all age groups, it has a particularly strong following among older adults, many of whom may have age-related physical limitations. As people age, they often experience decreased flexibility, muscle strength, and balance, all of which can increase the risk of injury during physical activities like pickleball. 

According to Yale Medicine, from 2002 to 2022, there was a 90-fold increase in fractures related to pickleball, with a majority of these injuries occurring in players between ages 60 and 69.

Furthermore, data collected by the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) examines pickleball-related injuries by mechanism of injury and age groups of 1 to 25, 26 to 50, and 51 to 100. 

• Players in the age group of 51 to 100 demonstrated a greater percentage of cardiac arrest or symptoms leading to more severe cardiovascular conditions.
• The majority of injuries occurred to pickleball players over the age of 50. 
• Injuries caused by a fall or trip were most common among players in the age group 51 to 100.
• Injuries to players under the age of 26 were likely the result of misuse of sport equipment. 
• Players in the age group of 26 to 50 most often sustained injuries related to falls or trips and activity overuse.

What Is The Worst Pickleball Injury?

The worst pickleball injury is typically an Achilles tendon rupture. This severe injury occurs when the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, tears completely or partially. An Achilles tendon rupture is often caused by a sudden, forceful push-off movement, such as quickly changing direction or jumping during a game. 

Recovering from an Achilles tendon rupture usually requires surgery, followed by a lengthy rehabilitation process that can last several months. During recovery, injury victims may need to wear a cast or boot and undergo physical therapy to regain strength and mobility. The recovery process can be especially challenging for older players, who may have a longer healing time and face additional risks during surgery.

Final Thoughts

While the current data available on pickleball-related injuries provide valuable insight into the common risks associated with the sport, it’s important to recognize that this data is still evolving. As pickleball continues to grow in popularity, additional comprehensive studies can be expected to emerge, offering a clearer picture of pickleball injury trends and preventive measures. Overall, staying informed and proactive in injury prevention is key to enjoying the game safely.

Sources

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/pickleball-injuries-rising-bone-fractures-rcna137044 

https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2024-02-12/as-pickleballs-popularity-has-soared-so-have-injuries 

https://aaos-annualmeeting-presskit.org/2024/research-news/new-study-identifies-increased-fracture-risk-for-older-pickleball-players/ 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31796221/ 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11179465/ 

https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/how-to-prevent-pickleball-injuries 

https://news.uark.edu/articles/70054/pickleball-injuries-more-frequent-severe-than-you-might-think 

https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=130840