Oregon hospital sees uptick in pickleball injuries as sport grows in popularity

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – As pickleball has exploded in popularity over the last few years, doctors at Kaiser Permanente Northwest warn they have seen an increase in pickleball-related injuries.

According to USA Pickleball, the sport is the fastest growing in the United States, rising from 4.8 million players in 2021 to 8.9 million in 2023.

The sport’s popularity, however, has also driven an increase in injuries.

"While pickleball is a fantastic way to stay active and socialize, it's important to recognize the potential for injury, especially as the sport gains momentum," said Dr. Golden, assistant chief of urgent care for Kaiser Permanente Northwest.

“I would say far and away, the most common types of injuries that we’re going to see are musculoskeletal injuries so, fractures, broken bones, strains, sprains. Certainly, these musculoskeletal injuries can develop over days, or weeks, or even months – things like tendonitis, or plantar fasciitis, those are really common pickleball injuries that we’ll see,” Golden told KOIN 6 News.

“Less commonly, but also I think really important, sometimes we’ll see eye injuries related to pickleball. It’s not a sport where people will commonly wear eye protection, so every now and then if the ball catches you in the wrong spot, that can happen,” he added.

Kaiser Permanente Northwest notes that Americans are expected to incur between $250 million and $500 million in costs for pickleball injuries in 2024 alone.

While some injuries may be managed at home, Golden said it’s best to err on the side of caution and visit a healthcare provider for injuries, especially for injuries causing visible deformities, discoloration, difficulty bearing weight on the extremity, or worsening severe pain.

According to Kaiser Permanente Northwest, about one-third of the estimated 22.3 million pickleball players in the U.S. are seniors. However, Golden points out he has seen patients of all ages and experience levels.

The assistant chief recommends pickleball players wear eye protection and use common sense precautions to avoid injury. This includes warming up, taking breaks as needed, and staying hydrated.

Kaiser Permanente Northwest said they do not have an exact number of pickleball injuries they have treated over the last few years. However, Golden said injuries are “certainly increasing as the sport has gained in popularity.”

He concluded, “I would say it’s not uncommon for every week or two we’ll get a pickleball injury to come in.”