Pickleball Craze Hits Philadelphia: Pickleball is rapidly gaining popularity in Philadelphia, with new courts opening across the city. However, the increase in players has also led to a rise in injuries associated with the sport. Experts warn that safety and injury prevention are crucial as more people take up pickleball.
New Courts and Rising Participation
Four new pickleball venues are set to open this spring in Philadelphia, including Ballers in Fishtown, Court 16 in Olde Kensington, Portres Sports Club in Northern Liberties, and Viva Padel and Pickleball Club in Ludlow. With over 48 million adults playing pickleball in the past year, it is officially the fastest-growing sport in the country.
Increase in Injuries
While the sport’s popularity soars, injuries are climbing. A 2024 analysis by the Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reported a 90-fold increase in fractures related to pickleball over the past 20 years, especially among women aged 65 and older. Injuries typically occur in the upper extremities and are often due to falls.
Dr. Michael Yang, a sports medicine doctor at Jefferson Health, noted, “It used to be CrossFit; now pickleball keeps us in business.” He sees one or two pickleball-related injuries daily among his patients.
The Nature of Pickleball
Many new players do not realize that pickleball requires significant physical effort. Dr. Yang explains, “People think it’s like ping pong. It is not like ping pong.” The sport combines elements of ping pong, badminton, and tennis, requiring players to react quickly, lunge for balls, and move in various directions.
“These balls are going pretty quickly, and you have to react. You’re lunging to get to the ball. You’re running backwards. You’re going side to side. You’re twisting.” – (Yang)
Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and broken kneecaps. As players age, they face additional risks due to less elastic tendons and decreased bone density.
“What I tell people is, ‘Don’t be a hero. If there’s a ball coming at you, don’t lunge for the ball… Let the ball come to you. If you can’t get to it, lose the point. It’s OK.'” – (Yang)
Safety Tips for Players
To reduce the risk of injury, Dr. Yang advises players to:
-
Ease into the game to avoid overuse injuries.
-
Wear supportive court sneakers and choose paddles with the right grip size.
-
Recognize when an injury requires medical attention, such as severe pain or swelling.
Warming up with light jogging and dynamic stretching can also help prevent injuries. Conditioning through strength training and aerobic exercises, like swimming or running, is recommended.
Looking Ahead
As pickleball sport continues to grow in popularity, awareness of its physical demands and injury risks is essential. By following safety guidelines and conditioning properly, players can enjoy the sport while minimizing the risk of injuries.
News in Brief: Pickleball Craze Hits Philadelphia
Pickleball is rapidly growing in Philadelphia, with four new pickleball courts opening. However, injuries are also rising, with a 90-fold increase in fractures over 20 years. Experts stress the importance of injury prevention and proper training as more players take up the sport.
ALSO READ: Pierce County’s Pickleball Craze: New Courts Set to Transform Local Sports Scene!