Orthopedic clinics nationwide are reporting a record number of sport-related injuries among adults over 50, with pickleball accounting for the majority of new cases. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons estimates that pickleball-related injuries have increased 140 percent since 2023, driven by the sport's explosive popularity among older demographics.
The most common injuries include rotator cuff tears, Achilles tendon strains, and knee ligament damage, many of which require surgical intervention and extended rehabilitation. Sports medicine physicians are urging new players to invest in proper warm-up routines, appropriate footwear, and gradual intensity progression to reduce injury risk.
Despite the injury surge, physicians emphasize that the health benefits of regular physical activity far outweigh the risks, and encourage older adults to remain active while taking appropriate precautions.
