Pickleball’s Popularity Comes with a Price: In recent years, pickleball has surged in popularity, bringing with it a wave of articles highlighting the risks associated with the sport. While many of these articles recycle the same data, the real concern lies in understanding the specific nature and causes of injuries among pickleball players, especially as participation continues to grow.
One key point often missed in these discussions is the context of injury rates. The rise in pickleball-related injuries is, in part, a reflection of the growing number of people playing the sport. Like any physical activity, pickleball carries inherent risks, but these are not unique and are common to other sports as well.
However, recent research has provided a more detailed look at the types of injuries pickleball players experience. Beyond the expected muscle strains and joint pains, there has been a staggering 90-fold increase in bone fractures over the past two decades, particularly among players over 60. This statistic is significant, considering that older adults are generally more prone to fractures due to conditions like osteoporosis.
Dr. Kurt P. Spindler, an orthopedic surgeon at Cleveland Clinic Florida, emphasizes the need for caution, especially for those with weakened bones. “Despite its low-impact reputation, pickleball can be risky, especially for those with weaker bones due to osteoporosis,” he explains. For older players, this means that the right equipment, such as proper footwear with good grip, is essential to reducing the risk of injury.
The vulnerability of older adults, particularly women over 65, is a major concern. These individuals are more susceptible to fractures from falls, often involving the upper extremities. Interestingly, while women tend to suffer more fractures, men are 2.3 times more likely to be hospitalized for their injuries, often due to more severe fractures like those of the hip or femur.
Dr. Spindler advises older players to take proactive steps to protect themselves. This includes building bone mass through proper nutrition and engaging in weight-bearing exercises to strengthen bones.
Before 2020, pickleball-related injuries were rarely studied in depth. However, research from the University of Central Florida College of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Florida, and Novant Health has changed that. Led by Dr. Yasmine Ghattas, the study used data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) to track trends in fractures and other injuries from 2002 to 2022.
The study’s findings highlight the importance of injury prevention as pickleball continues to grow in popularity. Awareness, proper equipment, and a focus on bone health are crucial for players, particularly those in higher-risk age groups, to safely enjoy the sport.
News in Brief: Pickleball’s Popularity Comes with a Price
The surge in pickleball’s popularity has brought increased attention to the risks associated with the sport, particularly among older players. Recent research reveals a 90-fold increase in bone fractures over the past two decades, with those over 60, especially women, being most vulnerable.
Dr. Kurt P. Spindler from Cleveland Clinic Florida stresses the importance of proper equipment and bone-strengthening exercises to prevent injuries. The study, using data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), shows the need for injury prevention as pickleball grows, emphasizing the importance of awareness and precautions for higher-risk age groups.
