Pickleball Leading to More Hospital Visits: Pickleball is undeniably America’s fastest-growing sport, captivating enthusiasts of all ages with its appeal. According to the Association of Pickleball Professionals, nearly 50 million American adults participated in the sport over the past year. The game’s accessibility and social nature are significant draws.
Johannes Paraan reflects, “Friends introduced me to it, I’m like, ‘OK, this is fun.’” Similarly, Lee Connell shares, “Being new to Bend, I’ve been able to meet a whole bunch of people through [it].” Eric Anderson sums it up: “Fun sport. Easy to get plugged into and great way to meet folks.”
The Injury Dilemma
However, the surge in pickleball’s popularity comes with a notable downside: a rise in injuries. The Sports and Fitness Industry Association reports pickleball has been the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. for three consecutive years, with a 223.5% increase in participation between 2020 and 2023. Kristen Edder, a player from Pine Nursery Park, notes,
“I just wanted to get out and get active and make friends after, post pandemic and the post, post-pandemic.” – (Edder)
Yet, injuries are becoming commonplace. Mike Scherba, who was actively playing pickleball two to three times a week, is now undergoing physical therapy at Rebound Physical Therapy in Bend for an Achilles tear.
“I literally just took a step for a forward volley hit and, as soon as I took a step, it just felt like somebody kicked me in the calf and I just went straight down.” – (Scherba)
Medical Insights
David Bergstrom, PT, DPT at Rebound, notes a significant uptick in pickleball-related injuries. From strains and tears to overuse injuries, the rise is noticeable.
“It’s funny. You can go online and you can find people calling it ‘pickleball elbow’ instead of ‘tennis elbow’ now.” – (Bergstrom)
The average age of pickleball players is 35, but injuries are more prevalent among older participants. Bergstrom highlights that many of his clients are 40 and older, and a recent study estimated over 17,000 emergency room visits in 2022 for pickleball injuries, with 87% of those admitted being over 50.
Lea Hart, a seasoned pickleball player, acknowledges the challenge, stating,
“You know, we’re all getting older, right? So, there might be things that pickleball exacerbates, whether it’s your hips or your knees or your shoulder.”
Staying in the Game
At 64, Scherba emphasizes the importance of smart play. “The mind is willing, but the body doesn’t follow the same way,” he reminds himself. Dr. Bergstrom advises proper warm-ups to prevent injuries.
“You’re playing pickleball, do actions that you do with — on the pickleball court. Whether that’s warming up and doing a little jump rope, doing some lunges or some movements that are gonna be based off what you’re doing. Not just jumping outta your car and jumping right onto the first open court you see.” – (Bergstrom)
Despite the setbacks, Scherba remains optimistic about returning to the sport he loves.
“It is probably gonna be a total of nine months or more before everything is healed up. Once it’s healed up, I do want to get back out there if I’m able to.” – (Scherba)
His enthusiasm is shared by many; a 2023 study found that pickleball positively impacts players’ mental health, enhancing personal wellbeing, life satisfaction, and overall happiness.
News in Brief: Pickleball Leading to More Hospital Visits
Pickleball, America’s fastest-growing sport, has seen a dramatic increase in participation, with nearly 50 million adults playing in the past year. However, this rise has led to a spike in injuries, particularly among older players. A recent study revealed over 17,000 emergency room visits in 2022 for pickleball-related injuries, with the majority involving individuals over 50.
Experts recommend proper warm-ups and smart play to mitigate risks. Despite these challenges, pickleball remains a popular activity, offering significant mental health benefits and social engagement for its players.
also read: Inside the World of Pickleball Refereeing: The Unsung Heroes of the Court
