Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the United States, drawing millions of new players while also sending a rising number of them to the doctor, according to a new study by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Harvey Manes.
Published in the International Journal of Clinical Studies & Medical Case Reports, Manes’ article highlights how the game’s popularity—fueled in part by its accessibility and social nature—has coincided with a surge in injuries. Pickleball participation soared 86 percent between 2019 and 2021, reaching nearly 9 million players. Analysts project the number will climb to 22.3 million this year.
“While exercise has undeniable benefits, the can-do spirit of older players in particular comes with risks,” Manes wrote. Informal surveys suggest one in three players over 55 sustain an injury annually, ranging from sprains and fractures to tendon tears and rotator cuff injuries. About 90 percent of emergency room visits tied to the sport involve patients over 50.
Among the most common ailments are shoulder inflammation, Achilles tendon ruptures, knee meniscus tears, and lower back injuries such as herniated discs. Minor injuries can often be treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation, but more serious cases may require surgery, including fracture repair or joint replacement.
Despite the risks, pickleball remains highly attractive across generations. Once dominated by older adults, the sport is now offered at summer camps and schools, and could even reach Olympic status in the future, Manes predicted.
Pickleball’s rapid growth reflects its easy rules, welcoming spirit, multigenerational appeal, and competitive excitement, despite rising injury risks.
The Westhampton Beach physician is also an avid pickleball player himself, often seen on the courts with his partner, Meryl Dee Feuer, a renowned pickleball artist whose work captures the spirit of the sport. Together, they embody both the passion and caution behind America’s newest athletic obsession.