Pickleball Injury Surge: Orthopedic surgeons are raising alarms about the rising number of injuries linked to pickleball, a sport that has rapidly gained popularity worldwide. Experts warn that without proper preparation, players are at significant risk, especially for serious injuries like Achilles tendon ruptures.
Why Are Injuries Happening?
An orthopedic surgeon, explains that the primary reason for injuries, especially Achilles ruptures, is the intense push-off movements required in pickleball.
“When you injure your Achilles tendon, it’s a push-off for pickleball. You’re going to push off to get to hit a ball, and those small little push-offs are what causes injury.” – (surgeon)
Many players, especially beginners, jump into the sport without proper warm-ups or stretching. Dr. points out that the risk of injury is much higher when players don’t prepare their bodies for the physical strain. He added that people who haven’t played sports in months, or ever, often experience injuries when they start playing pickleball without taking the necessary precautions.
The Growing Impact
According to Dr., pickleball-related injuries now account for a significant portion of his practice. “I would say now it’s at least a quarter,” he said, referring to the percentage of his patients suffering from pickleball-related injuries. The rise in pickleball participation has also led to increased healthcare spending on injuries related to the sport, with the U.S. spending hundreds of millions of dollars each year.
Preventing Injuries
Experts stress the importance of proper preparation for anyone thinking about playing pickleball. Warming up, stretching, and building up strength are key steps to prevent injuries. Additionally, players should avoid diving straight into the sport without any prior physical activity, as this is a common mistake that leads to avoidable injuries.
What’s Next?
As pickleball continues to grow in popularity, experts suggest that more attention needs to be placed on injury prevention. With proper preparation and awareness, the number of injuries can be reduced, ensuring the sport remains both fun and safe for everyone.
News in Brief: Pickleball Injury Surge
Orthopedic surgeons are warning of rising injuries linked to pickleball, particularly Achilles tendon ruptures. Experts suggest that improper warm-ups and a lack of physical preparation increase injury risk. Pickleball-related injuries now account for a significant portion of healthcare spending, with proper preparation seen as key to prevention.
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