Pickleball’s Injury Boom Lands in ER Stats — and These Stories Might Make You Stretch First

Pickleball might be America’s fastest-growing sport, but it’s also showing up fast in a place you wouldn’t expect: the emergency room. What was once billed as a low-impact, social activity is now responsible for a growing number of fractures, sprains, and even cardiac emergencies. And doctors across the country are sounding the alarm.

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It’s not that pickleball is dangerous in theory—but the gap between who plays it and how prepared they are physically is leading to injuries that look more like they came from contact sports.

Fractures and falls are leading the charge

Pickleball injuries sent an estimated 17,000 people to the ER in 2022 alone, and most of those patients were over the age of 50, according to a study published in the Journal of Emergency Medicine. That same report found fractures made up the largest portion of those injuries—around 30 percent—with wrists, shoulders, and ankles most often affected.

Injuries like these aren’t just inconvenient. For older adults, a fall that results in a fractured wrist or hip can sideline them for months. And the game’s quick, stop-and-start movement pattern makes those falls much more likely than many new players realize.

As Dr. James Gladstone of Mount Sinai told the New York Post, “People see it as a gentler option, but you’re still moving fast in tight quarters. If your body’s not ready for it, it’s going to let you know.”

The unexpected cardiac risk

Even more serious are the cardiac events doctors are seeing among older pickleball players. A 2023 study by researchers at the University of Arkansas found that up to 20 percent of pickleball-related ER visits ended in hospital admission, with some linked to heart attacks or arrhythmias that occurred during or right after play.

“Pickleball requires short bursts of intense movement,” said Professor Ches Jones, one of the authors of the study. “Among persons who are untrained and susceptible to heart disease, it may invoke a myocardial infarction or other cardiac event.”

The issue isn’t the sport itself—it’s the mismatch between physical demands and fitness level. Older players, especially those returning to activity after years of being sedentary, may not be conditioned for the sudden movement and quick recovery times the game demands.

Personal stories show how fast it can go wrong

For 72-year-old Dr. Bill Silvers, his first-ever game of pickleball ended with a broken neck. After slipping during a rally, he fractured multiple vertebrae and is now facing a long road to recovery. His story, reported by Colorado Public Radio, has become a cautionary tale for older players eager to jump in without preparation.

Professional tennis player Eugenie Bouchard also found herself unexpectedly injured while playing. A stray ball scratched her cornea during a doubles match. She posted about it on Instagram, joking about the injury—but doctors say it’s more common than you’d think.

Even Reddit forums are filled with tales of “casual” players who walked away with black eyes, concussions, torn Achilles tendons, or sprained ankles. The takeaway? This is a sport that rewards agility but punishes assumptions.

Experts say prevention is possible—and it’s not optional

Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Andrew Jimenez of Yale Medicine has seen the spike in injuries firsthand. He warns that many new players don’t respect the level of exertion required.

“It’s a real workout,” Jimenez told Health.com. “If you’re not preparing your body, you’re asking for trouble.”

Physical therapists and sports doctors alike are urging players to warm up properly, stretch consistently, and wear sport-specific shoes that support lateral movement. Skipping those steps can turn a casual match into a long stint in physical therapy.

Dr. Wu, a sports medicine physician cited by the American Medical Association, notes that “People are treating it like a backyard game, but they’re playing on hard surfaces, doing explosive moves. You have to respect it as a sport, not a hobby.”

The hidden cost of pickleball injuries

A 2023 analysis from UBS estimated that pickleball injuries could cost Americans between $250 million and $500 million annually in healthcare costs—mostly due to outpatient visits, imaging, physical therapy, and surgeries.

That number is expected to rise. With nearly 9 million players in the U.S. as of 2023—and some experts predicting over 20 million by 2025—it’s not just a health issue, it’s a public one. Cities and recreation departments are now starting to consider safety signage and education programs to help reduce injury rates as new courts pop up in parks and gyms nationwide.

Why we still love it—and how to play smarter

For all the injuries, people aren’t backing away from the game. And they shouldn’t. Pickleball has well-documented mental health and cardiovascular benefits, especially for older adults. It’s social, accessible, and fun, which explains its massive appeal.

But playing smarter is the only way to keep enjoying it. That means getting cleared by a doctor if you’re returning to activity after a long break, warming up properly, starting slow, and knowing your limits. It also means investing in the right shoes, learning how to fall, and maybe skipping that third match if your knees are already yelling at you.

As Dr. Gladstone puts it, “You don’t need to stop playing pickleball—you just need to treat it like the real sport it is.”

Final swing

Pickleball isn’t going away, and that’s a good thing. But neither is gravity, or the reality of aging joints. Whether you’re 28 or 78, it’s worth remembering that fun and safety don’t have to be at odds.

Move well, play smart, and if you’re reading this on your phone before a match—maybe take a few minutes to stretch first. Your knees will thank you. So will your ER doctor.