Preventing Common Pickleball Injuries: What You Need to Know
Pickleball, the fastest-growing sport in America, is gaining popularity at an unprecedented rate. With nearly 9 million Americans participating in the sport, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), the demand for pickleball courts is soaring. However, along with the rise in popularity comes an increase in injuries among players.
A study published in The Journal of Emergency Medicine highlighted the surge in pickleball-related injuries treated in emergency departments from 2001 to 2017. The number of injuries jumped from 688 in 2013 to 6,072 in 2017, reflecting a 650 percent increase in membership in the United States of America Pickleball Association during the same period.
As pickleball attracts a wide range of age groups, injuries are more likely to occur in players over 40, with adults aged 50 and older facing an even higher risk, according to a review published in Apunts Sports Medicine. Many new players come to the sport without adequate conditioning, leading to common injuries such as sprains, strains, low back pain, fractures, and upper body injuries.
To prevent pickleball injuries, experts recommend allowing for proper recovery time between games, incorporating resistance and cardio training into your fitness routine, listening to your body’s signals of pain, and warming up adequately before playing. By taking these precautions, players can continue enjoying the sport they love without risking injury.
