It's all fun and games until a pickleball player winds up in the hospital with a broken hip-or until health insurance premiums start to skyrocket. As the pickleball craze continues to sweep the nation, the racket/paddle sport could rack up health care costs as high as $250 million to $500 million in 2023, according to statistics from the New York-based investment bank UBS.
Soon after UnitedHealth Group, the largest provider of health insurance in the U.S., announced a significant increase in hip and knee surgeries, Wall Street analysts under the leadership of executive director Andrew Mok, CFA, predicted the cost increase. The announcement on June 14 sent shockwaves through the health insurance industry, causing numerous companies' stock prices to slide.
Analysts Predict Potential $500 Million Price Tag for Pickleball Injuries in 2023
"While we generally think of exercise as positively impacting health outcomes, the 'can-do' attitude of today's seniors can pose greater risk in other areas such as sports injuries, leading to a greater number of orthopedic procedures," the UBS analysts said, per a Bloomberg report.
The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), which has its headquarters in Maryland, named pickleball-a combination of tennis, badminton, and ping pong-the fastest-growing sport earlier this year. Participation doubled in 2022 and skyrocketed by more than 158% over a three-year period, the SFIA stated on its website.
As participation has increased, so have injuries.
The uptick in injuries is likely attributed to the sport's quick rise in popularity rather than any inherent dangers. Between 2010 and 2019, there were nearly 29,000 pickleball injuries among players age 60 and older, according to a 2021 study published in the journal Injury Epidemiology. The majority of those injuries were strains and sprains, fractures, and contusions, with most of them caused by slipping, tripping, falling, or diving.
Another 2020 study published in The Journal of Emergency Medicine analyzed pickleball injuries that resulted in emergency room visits between 2001 and 2017. More than 90% of the patients were 50 or older. Again, strains, sprains, and fractures were the most common injuries reported. "Because of the nature of moving your body to lunge at a ball, potential injuries can include pulling a muscle, breaking or spraining an ankle or wrist, or falling and scraping your skin," said Dr. Laura Purdy, a board-certified family medicine physician in Brentwood, Tennessee, in an interview with Fox News Digital.
Importance of Preparing Your Body for the Rise of Pickleball
According to FOX Business, the rise in injuries is likely due to the sport's increasing popularity rather than any inherent dangers, Dr. Purdy explained. "With more people playing, more injuries are being reported," she said. "The sport itself is not more dangerous than other team sports, but as with any activity, it's important to listen to your body and know your limits." To prevent injuries, Dr. Purdy recommended stretching before playing and ensuring that muscles are loose. It's crucial to prepare your body before engaging in physical activity to reduce the risk of strains, sprains, and other injuries.
As pickleball continues to attract players of all ages and its growth shows no signs of slowing down, the impact of the rising number of injuries on health care costs and insurance premiums remains to be seen. The surge in medical expenses related to pickleball injuries could put a strain on the health care system and potentially lead to higher insurance premiums for individuals participating in the sport.
The popularity of pickleball has brought many benefits, including increased physical activity and social engagement for players. However, it is essential for individuals to be mindful of their bodies and take appropriate precautions to minimize the risk of injuries. By staying hydrated, taking breaks when needed, and understanding one's limits, pickleball enthusiasts can continue to enjoy the sport while keeping their health and well-being a top priority.
As the sport of pickleball continues to evolve and gain momentum across the nation, it is crucial for players, health care providers, and insurance companies to work together to address the rising number of injuries and find ways to promote safe participation. Only through collaboration and proactive measures can the pickleball community ensure that the game remains a source of enjoyment and healthy activity for years to come.
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