90 Percent of Pickleball Injuries Affect Players Over 50: How to Protect Yourself

The injury risk of playing pickleball is higher than you might think – and it's certainly higher than any of us want it to be.

If you're over 50, it's even worse.

A recent study revealed that 90% of pickleball-related injuries in emergency rooms affected people over 50, with half being sprains or fractures. In 2023 alone, these injuries generated over $350 million in medical costs, and from 2002 to 2022, fractures linked to pickleball saw a staggering 90-fold increase, particularly in players aged 60 to 69.

While pickleball is a fantastic way to stay active, these stats are a sobering reminder that the sport carries real risks, especially for older players, making injury prevention (and preparation) essential.

The Most Common Pickleball Injuries

Here are the most common injuries that affect pickleball players aged 50 and older:

Strains and sprains: These account for 33.2% of pickleball-related injuries in seniors.
Fractures: 28.1% of injuries are fractures.
Contusions and abrasions: These make up 10.6% of injuries in older players.
Wrist injuries: Particularly common in older female players, who are nine times more likely to suffer a wrist fracture than male players.

Lower extremity injuries: These account for 29% of all injuries, including the lower leg (12.9%), ankle (6.1%), knee (5.9%), and foot (2.1%).
Upper extremity injuries: These account for 33% of all injuries, with wrist (13.2%) and shoulder (5.4%) injuries leading the list.
Head injuries: While less common, head injuries account for 12% of injuries among older pickleball players.

(Source: Sportsmed.org)

While it's essential to know the most common injuries, it's even more crucial to understand how to prevent them.

How to Prevent Pickleball Injuries

The good news is that many pickleball injuries are preventable with the right precautions. Here are a few tips to help reduce your risk of injury while still enjoying the game:

Warm up properly: Before stepping onto the court, stretch and warm up your muscles. Focus on the areas most vulnerable to strain, such as the shoulders, wrists, knees, and ankles.
Wear the right footwear: Invest in good court shoes with proper ankle support and cushioning. Avoid worn-out shoes, as they can increase your risk of slipping or turning an ankle.
Use proper technique: Learn the correct form for serving, swinging, and moving on the court. Poor technique can lead to overuse injuries and increase your risk of falls.
Stay hydrated: Dehydration can lead to muscle cramps and fatigue, increasing your risk of injury. Make sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your games.
Take breaks: Know your limits and take regular breaks to avoid overexertion. Listen to your body—if something feels off, stepping off the court and resting is okay.
Strengthen key muscle groups: Strengthening your core, legs, and upper body can help stabilize your movements on the court and prevent injuries like sprains, fractures, and strains.

Following these preventive measures can significantly reduce your chances of getting hurt while enjoying the game.

The Importance of Personal Accidental Injury Insurance

Do you know what your deductible is? It’s a crucial question that can have a major impact on your financial well-being in the event of an accident. Many assume their health insurance will cover everything, but high-deductible plans can leave you facing significant out-of-pocket costs before coverage kicks in.

In fact, the average deductible for family coverage in 2023 was $3,400—costs that could be overwhelming, along with medical bills and lost wages.

Understanding your deductible empowers you to plan ahead and recognize the gaps in your coverage. Personal accidental injury insurance can help bridge that gap by providing cash benefits to cover deductibles, co-pays, and other expenses.

Don’t wait until an accident happens—take control of your financial protection today with Emerge’s affordable accidental injury insurance.