The Rise of Pickleball: Joys and Injuries in America’s Favorite Sport

By Shari Roan

As more Americans embrace pickleball, the sport’s popularity brings with it a growing concern over injuries, especially among older players.

Pickleball: A Growing Sport with Hidden Risks for Retirees

By Shari Roan

As the sun sets over Fernandina Beach, the sound of paddles striking pickleballs fills the air, a testament to the sport’s surging popularity among retirees. Among the players is Debra King, 64, who, like many Americans, discovered the joys of pickleball after retiring. However, her journey has not been without its challenges, as she has also faced the darker side of this beloved game: injury.

King, a former real estate professional and an avid athlete, approached pickleball with enthusiasm. “I was a bit hesitant about playing court sports because I didn’t want a knee injury,” she admits. Yet, the allure of camaraderie and the thrill of competition drew her in. “It seemed like a good sport to replace golf,” she says, highlighting its appeal for retirees.

The numbers back her enthusiasm. According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, approximately 1.4 million Americans are regular pickleball players, with participation growing by over 11% annually in the past five years. However, this surge in popularity has been accompanied by a startling increase in injuries. A recent study presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons revealed a staggering 90-fold increase in pickleball-related fractures from 2002 to 2022.

Liam Globensky, a physical therapist at Brooks Rehabilitation, notes that while pickleball is often perceived as a low-impact sport, the reality can be quite different. “Games can become intense, especially among experienced players,” he explains. Injuries often occur during competitive play, where the desire to win can overshadow safety.

King’s experience is a cautionary tale. In a heated match on New Year’s Day 2022, she fell while trying to retrieve a shot, resulting in a severe wrist fracture that required surgery. “You tend to forget about the actual risk involved,” she reflects. “The age issue just goes away. It’s all about winning.”

Globensky emphasizes the importance of conditioning before diving into high-intensity activities like pickleball. “There is always an increased risk of injury if you try to go from a very low level of activity to one of high intensity,” he warns. Common injuries include strains, sprains, and fractures, particularly among older women who are more likely to suffer upper extremity fractures from falls.

Despite the risks, King remains undeterred. “It’s better to be out there doing something,” she asserts, even after experiencing multiple injuries. Her resilience mirrors the sentiments of many pickleball enthusiasts who recognize the sport’s numerous benefits, including improved cardiovascular health and social interaction.

To mitigate injury risks, experts recommend several strategies: consulting a physician before starting, especially for those with preexisting conditions; incorporating stretching before and after games; and staying hydrated. Additionally, taking lessons from a coach can help players adopt proper techniques and avoid injuries.

As the popularity of pickleball continues to rise, so too does the need for awareness regarding its physical demands. For players like Debra King, the thrill of the game is worth the risks, but a little caution can go a long way in ensuring that the joy of pickleball lasts for years to come.