Pickleball Injuries, Rising Along With , the Sport's Popularity.
NBC reports that pickleball's rising
popularity has come with a significant
uptick in injuries related to the sport.
According to an analysis of a government injury
database, bone fractures related to pickleball have
increased by 200% over the course of the last 20 years.
Pickleball has become the fastest growing sport in the
United States, with the number of players increasing
from 4.8 million in 2021 to 8.9 million last year.
The game is played with a perforated
plastic ball and wooden paddles on
a court similar in size to a badminton court.
NBC reports that the overall rate of injuries is most likely
much higher as the new analysis only looks at fractures
and not more common issues like sprained ankles.
Other common injuries associated with the popular sport
include rotator cuff injuries, Achilles tendon strains or
tears, foot fractures and an exacerbation of arthritis.
While pickleball
is a great sport,
nothing is without risk, Yasmine Ghattas, Study lead author
and medical student at the University of Central
Florida College of Medicine in Orlando, via NBC.
According to the new study,
92% of the fractures noted in
the study were the result of falls.
Researchers suggest that people
simply be prepared rather than
quitting the sport all together.
Well informed
participation in
any activity is key, Yasmine Ghattas, Study lead author
and medical student at the University of Central
Florida College of Medicine in Orlando, via NBC.
Some experts have suggested that many players
are unaware of the mechanics of the sport and that
proper form that can help with injury prevention.