Pickleball Is America's Fastest-Growing Sport – But Is It Also The Most Dangerous? Report Shows It Could Cost US $500 Million In Medical Expenses
Pickleball Is America's Fastest-Growing Sport – But Is It Also The Most Dangerous? Report Shows It Could Cost US $500 Million In Medical Expenses
Pickleball, a fusion of tennis, badminton and table tennis, has gained recognition as the fastest-growing recreational sport in the United States since 2019, and its popularity continues to soar on a global scale. The game, played on a smaller court with a slower-moving ball compared to tennis, offe...
Pickleball, a fusion of tennis, badminton and table tennis, has gained recognition as the fastest-growing recreational sport in the United States since 2019, and its popularity continues to soar on a global scale.
The escalating frequency of pickleball injuries has brought concerns about the safety of the popular sport to the forefront. A recent study revealed that approximately 90% of reported cases affected people 50 and older, with sprains and fractures making up nearly half of the injuries.
It's hard for me to believe the benefits of the increase in exercise are outweighed by the risks of injury. I'd be quite surprised if pickleball didn't reduce the total cost of medical care.
Matthew Lazinski from the University of South Florida School of Physical Therapy & Rehab Sciences, reflecting on the rise in pickleball injuries witnessed in the clinic, emphasizes the potential risks associated with the sport. He asserts that the surge in injuries can be attributed to people embracing an active lifestyle. He said the advantages gained from exercise outweigh the associated costs.
It’s right there in the article.
$500 million in healthcare costs? So like 4-5 people with broken arms at current healthcare rates…
No. As with all questions in headlines. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betteridge's_law_of_headlines
Played a couple times. Played with an old lady who was so excited to tell me how much she loves pickleball. She tripped and legitimately face-planted into the ground 5 minute into playing. She's the third elderly person I've seen/injured, and I only played like 4 times. Old people are seriously grabbing paddles and running to the courts to have a party throwing their hips out.