Pickleball Injuries on the Rise: What the Data Says and How to Stay Healthy
With more than 8.9 million players in the United States, the pickleball boom has something less fun: injuries. Emergency room visits tied to pickleball jumped from 1,300 in 2014 to nearly 25,000 in 2023. Analysts estimate more than 66,000 ER visits and 366,000 outpatient visits related to pickleball injuries in 2023, racking up $350 million in medical costs.
While pickleball is still safer than many sports, with so many new players—many of them older adults—the volume of injuries is rising fast. Let’s break down the data and what you can do to keep yourself healthy on the court.
The Numbers Behind Pickleball Injuries
Most pickleball injuries are happening to players over 50. In fact, up to 90% of ER patients are in that age bracket, and women 65+ are especially vulnerable to fractures because of age-related bone loss. Falls are the main culprit, accounting for more than 90% of fractures. The wrist and forearm are the most common sites, as players instinctively reach out to catch themselves.
Sprains and strains are just as common, particularly in ankles and knees. Quick side-to-side movements on hard courts are the perfect setup for a misstep. Overuse injuries—like “pickleball elbow” or rotator cuff pain—are also becoming routine as people log more court time without rest days.
One growing concern that you’ve probably heard more than a few times (even though it’s important enough to keep hearing about it)? Eye injuries. With the game’s fast pace at the net, a mis-hit ball or paddle can do real damage. Sports medicine specialists are seeing more corneal injuries and orbital fractures linked to pickleball. Yet most players still skip protective eyewear, even though a simple pair of sports glasses can prevent a serious accident.
Between 2017 and 2022, some hospitals saw a 6-7x increase in pickleball injuries. One national study logged a 90-fold increase in pickleball-related fractures over the past 20 years. Industry-wide, this is starting to raise eyebrows. The sport’s governing bodies and health providers know that for pickleball’s growth to stick, player safety has to be part of the conversation.
Why Do Pickleball Injuries Happen?
A few consistent culprits:
Falls: Nearly 40-45% of injuries happen when players trip, stumble, or dive for a ball.
Improper footwear: Running shoes aren’t designed for pickleball’s side-to-side movements.
No warm-up: Jumping straight into play without priming muscles makes strains more likely.
Overdoing it: New players often go from zero to five games a week—recipe for tendonitis.
Age-related risks: Osteoporosis, arthritis, and slower reaction times all play a role.
Prevention Starts Before the First Serve
The best way to stay in the game is to avoid preventable injuries in the first place. A few non-negotiables:
Warm up. 5-10 minutes of movement before you play makes a difference. Not sure where to start? Check out our guide: 3 Dynamic Warm-ups You’ll Actually Do (And Feel) Before Pickleball.
Court shoes only. Running shoes are built for forward motion. You need lateral stability to handle pickleball’s stop-and-go footwork.
Smart footwork. Don’t backpedal for lobs—turn and pivot instead.
Protect your eyes. Consider adding sport glasses to your bag if you play regularly.
Longer term, strength and balance training can also lower your risk. We’ve already covered the best off-court work in The Best Cross-Training for Pickleball: Yoga, Strength, Mobility & Injury Prevention.
What If You Do Get Injured?
Minor strains and sprains respond well to the basics: R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) for the first 48 hours. If you can’t bear weight, hear a “pop,” or have immediate swelling, don’t tough it out—get checked for a fracture or tear.
About 80% of pickleball injuries can be treated without surgery, usually, with rest, bracing, and physical therapy. For persistent tendon or joint pain, PT is often the fastest route to get back on the court. More severe injuries—fractures that shift out of place, tendon ruptures, ligament tears—sometimes require surgery and a longer rehab window. Either way, the goal is the same: a safe, gradual return to play.
Note: We’re not doctors. This is general wellness advice only. If you’re injured or dealing with ongoing pain, consult your physician or a licensed healthcare provider.
Why This Matters Beyond You
If players keep dropping from preventable injuries, the only real winners will be the insurance companies. Don’t give them the satisfaction. Most injuries are avoidable with smart habits—warm up, lace up the right shoes, protect your eyes, and know your limits.
The better you take care of yourself, the longer you’ll be around to enjoy the game.
