Pickleball is booming. And as a popular sport it is relatively new. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), more than 13.6 million people played pickleball across the US in 2023, up from 3.1 million in 2017.
In 2021 players aged 55 and up totaled 19.8% of total participants, the largest age bracket of players. Players aged 18 to 34 were the second largest age bracket totaling 18.5% of total participants. An increasing number of younger participants has since decreased the average age from 41 years in 2020 to 38.1 years in 2021. Still, many players are older. This is potentially because versus, for example, tennis, pickleball can be gentler on the joints. Some are probably attracted to it for its social component. We know of 90 year olds who play pickleball.
The sport’s appeal, and the number older players, has led to an increased number of pickleball related injuries. The most common issues are probably expected ones — arm, wrist, and tendon injuries.
For those who are interested, the Tuscola Pain and Wellness post in the link below describes the typical injuries and suggests natural strategies to facilitate recovery and prevention. (Note, it is also a promotional piece for the potential benefits of certain supplements from Standard Process and Mediherb. We do like these two brands.)
Source: Tuscola Pain and Wellness Center on pickleball.
Source: SFIA Single Sport Participation Report on Pickleball