Florida Pickleball Injury Surge: Pickleball is becoming more popular across Florida, with the state now home to over 1,230 courts. But with the rapid growth of the sport, there has also been a large increase in injuries. Health experts and doctors are urging players to stay safe and take precautions before hitting the court.
Florida: The Pickleball Capital
Florida leads the U.S. in the number of pickleball courts, attracting thousands of players. Many enjoy the sport for its easy-to-learn rules and fun pace. Cristian Occupati and Matias Morello play for hours at Weston Regional Park and say the game is great for all skill levels.
“I think it has to do with how easy it is to play,” Matias Morello said. “Anyone can just come to the court and pick it up.”
However, both players have seen accidents happen on the court.
Injuries on the Rise
Cristian Occupati shared one scary moment. “The ball went over there, so he jumped over the fence to come back and play, but his shoe got stuck in the fence and he ended up face-planting on the floor,” he said.
Doctor Geden Franck, head of Memorial Health Systems’ Orthopedic Sports Medicine Center, said injuries are increasing fast. According to the National Library of Medicine, U.S. emergency room visits due to pickleball injuries jumped 91% from 2020 to 2022. Hospital admissions rose by 257% in that same period.
“They trip, and then have a fracture,” said Geden Franck. “It could be the ribs, the wrist, the elbow, or the shoulder.”
Franck also noted more serious problems. “We’re also seeing many cases of heart attacks,” he said. “That’s one of the things we tell patients: before they start exercising, they should consult their doctor.”
Franck is currently helping pickleball player Marcos Ritter recover. Ritter suffered from a painful case of “pickleball elbow,” which made daily tasks difficult.
“You know, getting a jug of milk out of the refrigerator and things like that,” said Marcos Ritter.
How to Stay Safe on the Court
To help prevent injuries, Doctor Geden Franck recommends players stretch before playing. Simple dynamic warmups can make a big difference. These include:
Leg swings
Arm circles
Hip circles
High knees
Bottom kicks
Other helpful warmups are jogging, lunges, side shuffles, and shoulder shrugs. Doctors say taking a few minutes to warm up can help players stay healthy and in the game longer.
Pickleball Still Brings Big Benefits
While injuries are rising, health experts say pickleball still has many good points. Playing can improve heart health, lower cholesterol, and boost vitamin D levels from being outdoors. It also helps mental health by lowering the risk of depression through fun and social interaction.
News in Brief: Florida Pickleball Injury Surge
Pickleball is booming in Florida, now home to 1,230 courts. But with its rise comes a 91% increase in injuries. Doctors warn pickleball players to stretch and check their health before playing. Despite risks, experts say the sport still offers big physical and mental health benefits when played safely.
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