Pickleball’s Popularity and Rising Injury Concerns: Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America, with nearly 50 million adults playing in 2023. While many enjoy its low barrier to entry and social benefits, rising injury rates are a growing concern.
Surge in Popularity
According to the Association of Pickleball Professionals, pickleball has gained immense popularity over the past few years. The participation rate increased by 223.5% from 2020 to 2023. Players of all ages are drawn to the sport, including newcomers looking to connect with others.
“Friends introduced me to it, I’m like, ‘OK, this is fun,’” (Johannes Paraan).
Many players appreciate the social aspects of the game. Lee Connell, new to Bend, stated,
“I’ve been able to meet a whole bunch of people through [it].”, “Fun sport. Easy to get plugged into and great way to meet folks.”( Eric Anderson)
Rise in Injuries
As more people take up the sport, the number of injuries is also increasing. Dr. David Bergstrom, a physical therapist at Rebound Physical Therapy, noted a rise in injuries, especially among older participants. Many injuries range from strains and tears to overuse issues.
“It’s funny. You can go online and you can find people calling it ‘pickleball elbow’ instead of ‘tennis elbow’ now,” (Dr. Bergstrom).
A study found that in 2022, there were over 17,000 emergency room visits for pickleball injuries, with 87% of those admitted being over 50 years old.
Safety Precautions
To minimize injuries, Dr. Bergstrom emphasizes the importance of proper warmups. He suggests players should engage in activities similar to those in the game.
“You’re playing pickleball, do actions that you do on the pickleball court,”. “Not just jumping outta your car and jumping right onto the first open court you see.”( Dr. Bergstrom)
64-year-old Mike Scherba knows firsthand the importance of playing smart. After suffering an Achilles tear, he is currently in rehab but remains hopeful about returning to the court.
“It is probably gonna be a total of nine months or more before everything is healed up,” (Mike Scherba).
Positive Impact on Wellbeing
Despite the injury risks, the benefits of playing pickleball are significant. A 2023 study revealed that sport improves players’ well-being, life satisfaction, and happiness.
“People laugh. We have fun, you know, it’s, we have a good time. You get a good workout,” (Mike Scherba).
As the sport continues to grow, balancing safety with enjoyment will be crucial. The popularity of pickleball offers a great opportunity for social connection and physical activity, but players must remain aware of injury risks to fully enjoy the game.
News in Brief: Pickleball’s Popularity and Rising Injury Concerns
Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America, with nearly 50 million adults playing in 2023. The sport’s popularity surged by 223.5% from 2020 to 2023, attracting players of all ages seeking social connections. However, rising injury rates are concerning, particularly among older participants, with over 17,000 emergency room visits for pickleball injuries in 2022. Experts emphasize the importance of proper warmups to minimize risks, as players enjoy the sport’s significant well-being benefits.
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