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