Pickleball, the fastest growing sport in the U.S., has seen a 200% increase in bone fractures over the past 20 years, largely due to falls during play. An analysis of emergency room data from 2002 to 2022 estimated about 5,400 pickleball-related fractures annually, with women over 65 being particularly vulnerable, likely due to osteoporosis. While fractures mostly affected upper-body bones in women, men were more likely to suffer lower-body fractures requiring hospitalization. Soft tissue injuries, arthritis worsening, and tendon strains are also common but were not the focus of this study.
Experts emphasize that despite pickleball’s cardiovascular benefits, players need proper preparation to reduce injury risk. This includes learning correct techniques, warming up, wearing appropriate footwear, and practicing safe falling methods. Older adults, especially those with thinning bones, should get screened for osteoporosis before playing. The rise in injuries may reflect both the sport’s rapid growth and insufficient player education on injury prevention and physical readiness.
