Emergency room visits related to pickleball injuries have surged by 40 percent over the past year, according to new data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The most common injuries include ankle sprains, rotator cuff tears, and Achilles tendon ruptures, with adults over 50 accounting for the majority of cases.
Orthopedic specialists say the spike is driven by the sport's explosive growth among older adults who may not have adequate conditioning for the quick lateral movements required. Many players are transitioning from less demanding activities without proper preparation.
Sports medicine professionals are recommending that new players invest in proper footwear, engage in stretching and strengthening exercises before playing, and gradually increase the intensity and duration of their sessions to avoid overuse injuries.
