Pickleball, once considered a niche recreational activity, is now one of the fastest-growing sports globally. With its smaller court size, lighter paddle, and underarm serve, it appeals to a broad range of participants—from retired athletes to complete beginners looking for a fun, lower-impact activity.
But as participation rises, so do the injuries.
Why It Matters
Pickleball is no longer just a trend—it’s becoming a common patient profile in clinics. A recent 10-year epidemiological study published in the Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine (2025) revealed some key statistics:
- Falls accounted for 5% of injuries presenting to U.S. emergency departments
- Fractures were the most common injury type (7%), typically resulting from falls
- Wrist, lower trunk, and knee were the most frequently injured areas
- Ankle inversion injuries were common in younger players (18–34 years)
- Children (0–17 years) were more likely to sustain paddle-related lacerations or bruises
And this is a global shift, not just limited to the U.S.
In Asia, 1.9 billion people across 12 territories have heard of pickleball, and 282 million now play at least once a month.
Why the Rapid Uptake?
Pickleball’s popularity is largely due to its:
- Accessibility across all ages and fitness levels
- Simplified rules and low barrier to entry
- Smaller court size (same as a doubles badminton court)
- Low-impact nature, making it ideal for those seeking a more joint-friendly alternative to tennis or squash
However, a growing participant base—especially among those who are deconditioned or new to racquet sports—comes with an increased risk of injury.
Common Injuries Seen in Pickleball Players
As the sport continues to grow, healthcare professionals are beginning to see a predictable pattern of injuries, including:
Overuse Injuries
- Tendinopathies of the Achilles tendon, forearm, and epicondyles (lateral and medial)
- Wrist overuse from repeated paddle movement
Acute Injuries
- Ankle sprains due to rapid lateral movement
- Meniscal strains from sudden stops or directional changes
- Spinal overloading from repetitive low bounces causing excessive lumbar flexion
Injury Prevention and Rehab Considerations
Clinicians and players alike should be aware of the demands of pickleball and proactively address common injury risks through structured prevention strategies:
Ankle Stability & Proprioception
- Rapid lateral movement demands strong ankle control
- Balance and coordination exercises can reduce sprain risk
Forearm Strength & Grip Control
- Repetitive wrist motion can lead to overuse injuries
- Incorporate eccentric wrist training and grip endurance work
Spine-Sparing Strategies
- Low balls often encourage excessive lumbar flexion
- Encourage hip and knee flexion to reduce spinal strain
Progressive Exposure to Load
- For new or returning players, structured strength & conditioning (S&C) programs can prepare tendons and joints for repetitive action
- Focus on gradual increase in playing time to prevent tendinopathies
Local Pickleball Access in London
As of now, London has around 20 pickleball venues, mostly located in schools and community halls. Only three sites currently feature dedicated courts with permanent lines and nets—a surprisingly small number for a city of nearly 10 million residents.
But this is changing quickly. With former tennis stars like Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick, Eugenie Bouchard, and even Steffi Graf backing the sport—and a surge in investor interest—new courts are expected to open rapidly.
Final Thoughts
Pickleball is here to stay. As more people of all ages take up the sport, clinicians can expect to see a growing number of pickleball-related injuries.
Whether you’re a player or healthcare provider, understanding the unique demands of the sport—and how to prepare for them—can help minimize injury risk and keep everyone on the court longer.
📞 If you’re experiencing pain or injury from pickleball—or want to prevent one—book a movement assessment with our team today.
