Pickleball’s Hidden Dangers: Dr. Tom Haney, co-founder of the Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic, is raising awareness about pickleball injuries as the sport’s popularity continues to grow. With many players aged 60 and over getting hurt, Haney, 82, who also plays, has created a safety slogan: “No ball worth a fall.”
A Growing Sport Brings Increased Injuries
Pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S., with nearly 50 million adults trying it in the past year, according to the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP). It’s easy to pick up, social, and requires minimal gear—just a paddle, ball, and net.
But the rise in popularity has led to more injuries. Research from the 2024 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons shows that fractures in the arm, wrist, and hand, along with muscle strains and sprains, are the most common injuries. Players aged 60–69 are the most at risk.
“You’ve been competitive all of your life and you are trying to get to every ball. No ball is worth a fall.” – (Haney)
Haney himself scraped his knee when he first tried pickleball. Now retired, he encourages players to be cautious and focus on safety.
Senior Players at Higher Risk
According to Haney, sprains and strains account for 28% of injuries, and fractures make up 27%. Of all injuries, 85% occur in players over 60. Women often suffer injuries to the hand and wrist, while men are more likely to hurt their legs or feet.
“A lot of injuries occur when players are trying to compete with other people. It’s very important to play with people on the same level or slightly better if you want to improve.” – (haney)
He stresses starting slowly, stretching before games, and staying within physical limits.
Real Stories Highlight the Risks
Blair Williams, a former quarterback for Leon High and Florida State, tore his Achilles tendon while playing only his second game of pickleball.
“It (ball) sort of has a dead bounce to it. When I pushed off, I felt it and knew immediately what it was.” He added, “It’s the first injury I ever had that required surgery.” – (Williams)
Former MLB catcher and Chicago Cubs manager David Ross, however, has stayed injury-free.
“I haven’t fallen yet. I think the game is so fun because it’s not physical even though I heard about tons of injuries. I love that it’s a hand-eye competitive sport that close and in your face. Anyone can play and win.” – (ross)
Haney hopes players will take injury prevention seriously.
“It’s a great sport and I hope to be playing for a long time.” – (haney)
News in Brief: Pickleball’s Hidden Dangers
With pickleball injuries rising, especially among players over 60, Dr. Tom Haney urges caution and promotes his motto: “No ball worth a fall.” Common injuries include sprains and fractures. Stretching, knowing limits, and playing with similarly skilled partners are key. The fast-growing sport remains fun—but requires safe habits.
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