With pickleball’s popularity soaring in the U.S., so are the potential injury costs from the fastest-growing sport in the country. 

Investment bank UBS estimates that pickleball-related injuries could result in health insurance costs ranging from $250 million to $500 million in 2023 alone.

Health insurance company UnitedHealth Group recently reported a higher-than-expected frequency of hip replacements, knee surgeries, and other elective procedures.

UBS Group analysts say  some of the uptick is a direct result of more people picking up their racquets to hit the courts and play pickleball – the number of players has increased by 159 percent in three years.  

In the sport, which is a hybrid of badminton, ping-pong and tennis, players use a plastic-perforated ball, slightly heavier than a whiffle ball, and wooden or composite paddles that are about twice the size of ping-pong paddles.

UnitedHealth say there has been a higher-than-expected frequency of hip replacements, knee surgeries, and other elective procedures as a result of more people taking up pickleball

UnitedHealth say there has been a higher-than-expected frequency of hip replacements, knee surgeries, and other elective procedures as a result of more people taking up pickleball

There has been a huge spurt in the numbers of people suddenly taking up pickleball. UBS estimates there has been a 150 percent increase in the numbers of people playing the game

There has been a huge spurt in the numbers of people suddenly taking up pickleball. UBS estimates there has been a 150 percent increase in the numbers of people playing the game 

Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the U.S. with 22.3 million people now on the courts

Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the U.S. with 22.3 million people now on the courts

The surge in pickleball popularity has led to the installation of hundreds of outdoor courts. UBS estimates there has been a 150 percent increase in the number of people playing the game this year with 22.3 million people now on the courts.

Of those, around one-third are seniors who are playing at least eight times a year.

Two formal studies have been completed into injuries sustained by players of the relatively new sport.

Based on their analysis of these studies, UBS stated the majority of injuries occur among those aged 60 and above.

The most common injuries include strains, sprains and fractures, with the wrist and lower leg being the most susceptible, reported Bloomberg.

Barbara Beck is an avid pickleball player in Florida and she recently told WESH-TV in Daytona Beach that risk comes with the game. 

‘Anyone can get hurt out here, but for the most part, it’s a safe game. It’s a social game. We just all have the greatest time,’ Beck told the outlet.

The surge in pickleball popularity has led to the installation of hundreds of outdoor courts. Pictured, people play pickleball on the opening day at the new CityPickle courts at the Wollman Rink in New York's Central Park

The surge in pickleball popularity has led to the installation of hundreds of outdoor courts. Pictured, people play pickleball on the opening day at the new CityPickle courts at the Wollman Rink in New York’s Central Park

Players use a plastic perforated ball, slightly heavier than a wiffle ball, and wooden or composite paddles that are about twice the size of ping-pong paddles

Players use a plastic perforated ball, slightly heavier than a wiffle ball, and wooden or composite paddles that are about twice the size of ping-pong paddles

UBS estimates pickleball-related injuries could result in costs ranging from $250 million to $500 million in 2023 alone

UBS estimates pickleball-related injuries could result in costs ranging from $250 million to $500 million in 2023 alone

As the sport gains popularity, UBS has calculated medical costs for the year and is forecasting 67,000 visits to the ER room, 366,000 outpatient visits, 8,800 outpatient surgeries, 4,700 hospitalizations with 20,000 follow-up ‘episodes’ relating to  injuries caused by pickleball. 

A total of $377 million in medical costs can be attributed to pickleball, with $302 million (80 percent) in outpatient settings and $75 million (20 percent) in inpatient settings.

‘While we generally think of exercise as positively impacting health outcomes, the “can-do” attitude of today’s seniors can pose greater risk in other areas such as sports injuries, leading to a greater number of orthopedic procedures,’ UBS’s analysts write in a disheartening conclusion. 

Justin Tanton, a doctor of physical therapy in Texas, recently told the Austin American-Statesman he has seen about 20 people visit in the last two years with pickleball-related injuries. 

‘They are jumping in with friends for all the hype,’ he said. 

The doctor said the injuries he has seen include broke wrists and hand fractures. There have also been cases of tennis elbow, and even a concussion from someone who fell. 

Health officials have offered advice for players to avoid injuries on the court. They included wearing proper shoes that have a grip and rubber soles. Players should also make sure they warm up properly by stretching their back, hips, arms and legs. 

Recovery time is essential as many players join in games multiple times a week, and health experts stressed the importance of getting needed rest.  

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