Pickleball Injury Statistics: Understanding the Game's Risks

Pickleball is a racket sport that combines elements of tennis and ping pong. It has become the fastest-growing sport in the United States. 

Part of its appeal may be that a pickleball court is smaller than a tennis court. Whatever the reason, pickleball has grown in popularity. From 2019 to 2021, pickleball players grew from 3.3 to 4.8 million people. However, a trend has emerged with that growth: pickleball injuries are on the rise. 

Pickleball can still be a fun way to participate in sports, socialize, and get some exercise. However, it's important to understand safety precautions such as:

• Warming up before working out

• Wearing proper equipment

• And staying hydrated.

The article below provides a comprehensive overview of pickleball injury statistics, common injuries, and prevention strategies.  

Pickleball Injury Statistics – The Numbers Tell the Story

The pickleball injury rate has climbed in recent years. Various sources use statistics comparing different years, so the injury increase percentage may vary. In 2022, the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) reported an estimated 13,690 emergency room visits for pickleball injuries. In 2013, emergency room visits from pickleball injuries were about 611, which indicates a significant increase.

Statistical data on the injury rate between recreational and competitive pickleball players is lacking. However, individuals who play competitively may be in better condition than recreational players. In theory, this might reduce the risk of injury.

According to an article published by the American Orthopedic Society of Sports Medicine, injuries in similar racket sports, such as racquetball and tennis, have decreased over the past years. However, pickleball injuries have increased. 

Trends in Pickleball Injury Statistics 

A study using data from NEISS, published in Arthroscopy Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, found that pickleball injuries are increasing. NEISS found that emergency room visits for pickleball injuries rose by 91% from 2020 to 2022. Hospital admissions increased by 257% during the same time. 

While the data shows a clear increase, we can expect this due to the sport's rise in participation. However, some research indicates that the increase is disproportional to the sport's growth. For instance, statistics published in the Orthopedic Journal of Sports Medicine found a 6.8-fold increase in pickleball injuries from 2017 to 2022. According to the journal, this outpaces the rise in pickleball participation nationally.

Who is Getting Hurt?

Although pickleball was once considered a sport for older individuals, recent data indicates younger people are getting involved.

According to the Association of Pickleball Players, more than 70% of avid pickleball players are between 18 and 44. However, pickleball injury statistics indicate that older adults are more likely to be injured than younger players.

A 2024 article in the Orthopedic Journal of Sports Medicine reported on a study of 397 pickleball injuries. The highest incidents occurred in women over the age of 60. Additional 2024 statistics indicated that 87% of pickleball-related injuries requiring an emergency room visit occur in players older than 50.

The growth in pickleball is relatively recent. This impacts the number of studies available to determine pickleball injury statistics. In addition, not everyone receives medical treatment for a pickleball injury, so not all injuries are captured.

Most Common Pickleball Injuries – What's Getting Hurt? 

It's evident that injuries are increasing, but what are the most common injuries from pickleball? 

Pickleball involves quick bursts of sudden movement forward, lateral, and backward. These movements may lead to several different types of injuries.

The most common pickleball injuries involve the upper extremities. Upper body injuries account for about 33% of all pickleball injuries. 

Types of Injuries

Lower Extremity Injuries

About 29% of all pickleball-related injuries involve the lower extremities. Injuries to the lower extremities may include:

• Knee injuries: Knee injuries commonly include meniscus tears, patella tendonitis, and ligament sprains. The knees are especially vulnerable in pickleball due to quick lateral movements, fast stops, and twisting motions. These may cause additional force on the knee. Thus potentially placing it in an awkward position and stressing the ligaments and tendons. Knee injuries represent about 5.9% of lower extremity injuries and pickleball injuries.

• Ankle injuries: Ankle injuries may include sprains and fractures. They can occur due to rolling the ankle during lateral movement or tripping. 

• Foot injuries: Foot injuries may include stress fractures and plantar fasciitis. They may develop due to repetitive movements and stress placed on the feet. Improper footwear can also contribute to them.

Upper Extremity Injuries

Upper extremity injuries include the following: 

• Shoulder injuries: Shoulder injuries may consist of impingement syndrome and rotator cuff tears. Shoulder injuries are common in racquet sports due to overuse and repetitive motion.

• Elbow injuries: Elbow injuries typically involve bursitis and tennis elbow. These injuries occur due to repetitive motions such as swinging the racket or gripping the paddle. Poor technique may contribute to elbow injuries. 

• Wrist and hand injuries: Wrist and hand injuries are relatively common in pickleball and may include fractures and sprains. The most common cause of this type of injury occurs when a player hits another player with the paddle, causing them to fall.

Other Injuries

Other types of injuries can occur other than to the upper and lower extremities. Potential injuries include:

• Back injuries: Back injuries, such as sprains and pulled muscles, may occur due to twisting motions, poor posture, and excessive running impact.

• Eye Injuries: Similar to any racket sport, there is the potential to get hit in the eye with a ball. Wearing protective eyewear is essential to reduce this risk. 

• Heat-Related Illnesses: Heat-related injuries can also occur, especially when playing outdoors. Heat-related injuries include heat exhaustion and heat stroke. To avoid heat-related injuries, consider the following: 

• Avoid playing during peak hours when the sun is at its hottest, from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

• If possible, play in a shady area.

• Stay well hydrated.

• Take frequent breaks. 

• Wear lightweight, breathable clothes.

Preventing Pickleball Injuries – Staying in the Game

There are certain things you can do to reduce your risk of pickleball injuries and enjoy the sport. Consider some of the following suggestions: 

Warm-up and Cool-down

Perform a proper warm-up to increase blood flow to your muscles and reduce the risk of muscle strain. Start with dynamic stretching, such as side lunges, hamstring curls, calf raises, and trunk twists. 

Add light cardio, such as marching in place, jumping jacks, or jogging around the court. Properly cooling down after playing decreases muscle tension and allows your heart rate to come down. Static stretching, including a hamstring, quadriceps, and shoulder stretch, is helpful to reduce muscle tension.

Proper Equipment:

Wearing and using the right equipment is essential to reduce your risk of pickleball injuries. Consider the following: 

1.   Shoes: It is essential to wear court shoes. Court shoes provide the support needed for lateral side-to-side movements. Running shoes don't offer lateral support and are not ideal for pickleball.

2.   Paddles: Pickleball paddles come in different grip sizes and paddle weights. Depending on your strength and any prior hand or wrist injuries, getting a paddle with the appropriate weight is vital.

3.   Eye protection: Eye protection can reduce the risk of serious eye injury from the ball. Sunglasses may not be shatterproof and are not ideal. Specific safety eyewear is available for playing pickleball and other racquet sports. The eyewear is designed to withstand high impact from a flying pickleball. 

Playing Technique

Developing good playing technique is also helpful in decreasing injuries. Although it may take practice, there are things to keep in mind, including: 

• Footwork: Practicing good footwork helps reduce stress on the joints. Try to initiate movements with the foot closest to the ball. Keep your weight balanced, and bend your knees slightly when waiting for the ball.

• Stroke Mechanics: Proper stroke mechanics can help prevent repetitive injuries. Try to use a balanced stance when hitting the ball. A smooth follow-through also helps reduce additional stress on your joints. This allows you to use your hips and shoulders to generate force.

• Balance and Core Strength: Balance and core strength help decrease the chances of falling or pulling a muscle. Off the court, it's helpful to do balance exercises and stretch daily to maintain stability. 

Physical Conditioning

Staying in good shape, with strength, balance, and mobility, lowers your risk of getting injured while playing pickleball. Physical conditioning should include the components listed below.

Strength Training

Strength training is vital for overall health and wellness. It can also help reduce your risk of injury when playing pickleball. Strength training should include the total body, with special attention paid to the muscles involved in pickleball. Some suggestions include: 

• Core: Exercises such as planks and twists are a good place to start.

• Quadriceps: Squats, front, back, and side lunges are great lower-body strengthening exercises that improve mobility.

• Hamstrings: Strong hamstrings will help assist your quadriceps when playing pickleball. Consider adding hamstring curls or deadlifts to strengthen your hamstrings.

• Deltoids: Strong shoulders are needed to reduce your risk of injury. Add front and lateral shoulder raises, reverse flies, and high rows. 

Flexibility

Being flexible can also reduce your risk of pickleball injury. It's important to always do a proper warm-up before playing. However, flexibility training off the court is also helpful. Consider daily stretching or yoga classes to improve mobility and flexibility.

Listen to Your Body

As with any sport, it is essential to listen to your body. If you feel pain or develop dizziness, chest pain, or extreme shortness of breath, it is vital to stop playing.

Hydration and Nutrition

Eating the right foods before playing helps fuel your body and provides you with the energy you need. Stick to the basics, such as plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Staying well-hydrated by drinking water before, during, and after playing pickleball is also crucial.

Treating Pickleball Injuries – What to Do When You Get Hurt

If you do sustain a pickleball injury, it's essential to understand what to do. Treatment may depend on the severity of the injury. For serious injuries, it's vital to seek medical attention. If you doubt the seriousness of an injury, it's always better to have it checked out.

Minor injuries can often be treated using the RICE method, which includes: 

• Rest: Rest allows the injury to heal by reducing activities that cause pain. This may mean taking a little time off from the courts.

• Ice: Applying an ice pack to the injured area can reduce inflammation and pain and may speed healing. Apply ice for about 20 minutes several times a day.

• Compression: You can use a compression bandage depending on where the injury is. This can help reduce swelling and inflammation. 

• Elevation: This involves keeping the injured area above the heart as much as possible to reduce swelling.

For more serious injuries, rehabilitation and assistance from a physical therapist may be helpful. A physical therapist can provide specific exercises to help improve strength and mobility and reduce future injury risk.

Conclusion

Nothing ruins a pickleball match faster than sustaining an injury. The sudden bursts of lateral movement and the nature of racquet sports can lead to injuries. 

Fortunately, there are several things you can do to remain healthy and reduce your risk of sustaining an injury. When played safely, pickleball can be a great way to exercise and enjoy friendly competition!