Pickleball Injury Surge in Seniors: Dr. Michael Nguyen, an emergency room physician at Orlando Health Bayfront in St. Petersburg, says he treats pickleball-related injuries on a regular basis. As the sport’s popularity grows, he sees about one case each week, most involving sprains, fractures, or falls.
Doctor Shares His Experience
When Dr. Michael Nguyen isn’t working, he often plays pickleball himself.
“I fell in love instantly,” he said. “I play probably three to four times a week. It depends on my work schedule and whatnot, but I try to get out there whenever I can.”
But as the number of players increases, so do the injuries.
“I think over the past couple of years with the explosion of pickleball, there’s definitely been more injuries,” he said. “I probably see about one a week.”
Common Types of Injuries
Dr. Michael Nguyen explained that most cases involve sprained ankles, broken bones, or eye injuries caused by falls and slips.
“Occasionally, I see some broken bones as well and sometimes some eye injuries,” he said.
A recent National Institutes of Health study supports his experience. The report found that emergency room visits linked to pickleball were 22 times higher in 2022 compared to 2013. Falls were the leading cause, and fractures were the most common injury, especially among people ages 65 to 80.
Why Injuries Happen
“A lot of the injuries happen from falling or slipping a lot of times due to wet courts or wearing improper attire or improper shoes,” Dr. Michael Nguyen said.
He noted that older adults are more likely to get hurt because they may not move as quickly and are more fragile.
“I think older people definitely make the majority of the injuries just because they’re a little bit more fragile. They may not be used to moving as quickly, but I’ve seen injuries in like young healthy athletes as well,” he added.
Staying Safe on the Court
Dr. Michael Nguyen advises players to wear proper footwear designed for pickleball or tennis. He stressed that people should not be afraid of the sport but should take safety seriously.
“I think everyone should get out there if you haven’t played it yet and enjoy the sport, but just make sure you take the proper precautions to minimize the risk of injury,” he said.
He also reminded players that any physical activity carries some risk.
“It’s just like any other athletic injury. Anytime you do an athletic activity, you’re at risk for hurting yourself,” he said.
Why It Matters
The growth of pickleball is bringing more people to the courts, but also more people to emergency rooms. Safety precautions, such as wearing the right shoes and avoiding wet surfaces, can help players of all ages continue to enjoy the sport while lowering their chances of injury.
News in Brief: Pickleball Injury Surge in Seniors
Dr. Michael Nguyen of Orlando Health Bayfront in St. Petersburg sees about one pickleball injury a week, mostly sprains and fractures. A National Institutes of Health study shows ER visits linked to the sport rose sharply from 2013 to 2022. Experts urge safety gear and proper footwear to reduce risks.
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