Pickleball is Causing a Spike in ER Visits
By djsheryl on June 27, 2023
Pickleball’s exploding popularity is causing something else to explode…injuries. Experts estimate that injuries related to pickleball could cost Americans between $250 million and $500 million in medical costs this year, mostly related to wrist and leg sprains and fractures.
While physical activity is good for your health overall, if you’ve been inactive for a long time, suddenly starting a new sport can cause all sorts of problems.
According to sports medicine specialist, Dr David Geier, the 5 most common injuries due to pickleball are:
Ankle sprain.
Achilles tendonitis or Achilles tendon rupture.
Hamstring or quadriceps muscle strain.
Shoulder impingement/rotator cuff tear.
Wrist fracture.
They all sound pretty painful! While you can’t 100% prevent any injury, there are things you can do to help stay healthy and mobile. Experts recommend that if you are planning on playing pickleball, you should:
Avoid playing on a wet court.
Warm up and stretch before playing.
Wear the correct shoes.
Use protective eye wear.
Get aches and pains from a pickleball injury checked out.
Exercise regularly and eat a proper diet to maintain your health and lower your risk of injury.
Stay hydrated.
Stretch your body.
Pay attention to your footwear for comfort and support.
Taking a few precautions now can help ensure that you’re able to play for a long time to come.
