Treating Geriatric Sports Injury Among Pickleball Players: A Narrative Review of an Exercise Craze Among Seniors
Joseph V. Pergolizzi, Jeri Matera, Jo Ann LeQuang
Abstract
The sudden and enormous popularity of pickleball has included a surprising and large contingent of geriatric players. Similar to tennis and badminton, pickleball is a game with a short learning curve that offers low-impact cardiovascular benefits. Unlike tennis, most injuries in pickleball are sustained by older rather than younger players. In fact, pickleball-related injuries increase with increasing age. Such injuries include strains, sprains, joint pain, falls, and fractures. The most affected joints are the wrists, shoulders, knees, and ankles. Clinicians can advise their older pickleball patients on strategies and tips to minimize the risk of injury. This may be particularly important because many older individuals playing pickleball today were previously sedentary. Older people may be attracted to pickleball because it is an inclusive sport with a high socialization factor. Nevertheless, pickleball can deliver an excellent cardiovascular workout and it may be an example of a successful way to promote exercise among older people and those who resist exercise.