The Pickleball Boom: A Growing Sport, A Growing Risk for Injuries

Pickleball has quickly become one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States. Originally invented as a children’s game in Washington in 1965, the sport has seen a 235% increase in participation over the past three years, with an estimated 13.6 million players today. Combining elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, pickleball appeals to a wide range of ages and skill levels.

With this rapid rise in popularity, injuries have surged as well, increasing 90-fold from 2002 to 2022. Many of these injuries affect the upper extremities, including the shoulder, elbow, and wrist. There is also a significant number of injuries to the foot and ankle, due to the amount of time spent on your feet and the cutting and lunging movements. The sport’s aging player base is particularly vulnerable, with most injuries occurring in athletes between 40 and 79 years old.

Achilles Tendon Rupture

One of the most common and problematic pickleball injuries is an Achilles tendon rupture, accounting for nearly 40% of significant injuries in the sport. These injuries primarily occur in men in their late 50s, often resulting from planting the foot and lunging during play. Most Achilles ruptures from pickleball require surgical treatment, and despite advancements in repair techniques, recovery remains lengthy and challenging.

Symptoms of an Achilles tendon rupture include:

• Sharp pain or swelling in the tendon area
• Difficulty walking
• Weakness
• Bruising

There is a growing body of research on Achilles tendon injuries in aging athletes, emphasizing the importance of prevention. Proper warm-ups and stretching can significantly reduce the risk of this serious injury, making proactive measures essential for players.

Ankle Sprains & Instability

Another significant injury associated with pickleball is ankle sprains, which are the most common lower extremity injury in sports. In the U.S., approximately 27,192 ankle sprains occur daily. These injuries happen when the ankle inverts or twists beyond the tolerance of the lateral ligaments, causing them to tear. The anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) are most commonly affected, while high ankle sprains involving the syndesmosis are less frequent.

Prophylactic bracing can help prevent ankle sprains, and most cases resolve with bracing, therapy, and medical management. However, some patients develop chronic ankle instability, which may require surgical reconstruction. While surgical techniques continue to advance, recovery remains a necessary and important part of the healing process. Ankle sprains are also the leading cause of missed athletic participation, highlighting the importance of prevention and proper rehabilitation.

Remaining Injury-free on the pickleball court, starts long before you enter it.  Three safety tips our board-certified orthopedic specialists recommend include:

1. Preparing and Following A Well-Designed Athletic Training Program: to build an understanding of what proper movement techniques to use and avoid.
2. Proper Footwear Selection:  choosing shoes with arch and cushioning support to reduce chances of flat feet and plantar fasciitis.
3. Stretching and Preparing Before and After: taking the time to warm up, hydrate and listen to your body is crucial in preventing injury when playing pickleball.

Orthopedic Care for Sport Injuries in Central New Jersey

Injuries are a part of sports, however, they don’t have to keep you off the court for too long. If you, or someone you know is experiencing pain or discomfort while or after playing, don’t ignore it – early intervention plays a crucial role in leading to a smooth and full recovery. At Seaview Orthopaedics, our board-certified sports medicine specialists focus on delivering prompt, personalized treatment to get you back to peak performance quickly and safely. Be sure to schedule an appointment with one of them at one of our six orthopedic clinics throughout NJ. To learn more, feel free to contact us online today.

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