Popularity of Pickleball Brings Rising Injury Rates: The popularity of pickleball is surging in Canada, with one million Canadians participating in the sport in 2022. This number is projected to increase to 1.54 million by 2025, according to Pickleball Canada. However, the growth has also led to a rise in injuries among players.
Increasing Participation and Injuries
Chelsey Hobson, a physiotherapist with Leading Edge Physio, noted, “We’re seeing more people playing, more walks of life playing.” This increase includes younger and older players alike. Unfortunately, the growing number of participants has resulted in more injuries. Common injuries include pain in the elbow, knee, wrist, or shoulder, as well as more serious conditions like head injuries, ACL tears, Achilles ruptures, and severe calf strains.
Recovery Challenges
Recovery from serious injuries can take weeks and may require crutches or surgery. An Edmonton physiotherapy office and a walk-in clinic have reported seeing new pickleball-related injuries coming in at least once a week for several months. This trend does not account for existing patients who are experiencing new injuries.
Importance of Injury Prevention
The rising popularity of pickleball highlights its appeal and the need for safety measures. As more Canadians take up the sport, awareness and education about injury prevention will be crucial to ensure that players can enjoy the game without facing severe risks.
News in Brief: Popularity of Pickleball Brings Rising Injury Rates
Pickleball is rapidly gaining popularity in Canada, with participation increasing from one million in 2022 to an estimated 1.54 million by 2025. This surge has also led to a rise in injuries, with physiotherapists reporting new cases weekly.
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