Could the seemingly innocent game of pickleball be the culprit behind a surge in injuries and, consequently, a rise in healthcare utilization? This is the startling news that sent shockwaves through health insurance companies, causing their shares to plummet earlier this month, according to the sharp-eyed analysts at UBS.
“Americans could face costs ranging from $250 million to $500 million due to pickleball-related injuries this year,” they warned in their Monday note.
Dr. Pickleballologist demonstrates what your ankle can and can’t do.
To back up their claims, UBS presented some eye-opening demographic figures. Did you know that seniors make up about one-third of the projected 22.3 million people expected to play this risky sport? And here’s another fun fact: nearly half of pickleball enthusiasts have annual incomes exceeding $100,000. 💰 If you don’t want to contribute to these rising costs – or if you don’t really care about abstract things such as nationwide insurance costs and want to avoid injury because it’s painful – then check out our guide on preventing pickleball injuries.
The Rising Tide of Pickleball Injuries 🌊
UBS analysts have been keeping a close eye on pickleball injury data. What they found was quite alarming. Injuries among players aged 60 and above have seen a significant increase over the years. This has turned the sport into a major cause of harm among seniors, as confirmed by a recent study.
The increase in players and the demographic breakdown of those participating in the sport led UBS to predict a future filled with the consequences of pickleball. They foresee 67,000 emergency department visits, 366,000 outpatient visits, 8,800 outpatient surgeries, 4,700 hospitalizations, and 20,000 post-acute care episodes.
The largest slice of the pie, which is the rightmost slice when the pie is viewed as a clock with 12 at the top, represents “Outpatient Visits” with 366,000 projected visits. The second largest slice, the topmost slice, represents “Emergency Department Visits” with 67,000 projected visits. The third slice, the leftmost slice, represents “Post-Acute Care” with 20,000 episodes. The fourth slice, which is the lower right slice, represents “Hospitalizations” with 4,700 projected hospital stays. The smallest slice, which is the lower left slice, represents “Outpatient Surgeries” with 8,800 projected surgeries.
The High Cost of Pickleball Injuries 💸
Through their detailed analysis, the UBS analysts estimate that these medical encounters and procedures will cost approximately $377,000,000, with a whopping 80% of this amount being spent on outpatient care.
“While our conventional wisdom suggests that exercise invariably bestows favorable health outcomes, the indomitable ‘can-do’ spirit exhibited by today’s seniors inadvertently exposes them to heightened risks in various domains, including the treacherous realm of sports injuries, resulting in an upsurge in orthopedic procedures,” UBS noted.
The Pickleball Injury Phenomenon 🚀
The surge in surgeries among seniors enrolled in Medicare has puzzled healthcare investors. Apart from addressing delayed surgeries due to the pandemic, UBS turned its attention to pickleball—a sport that has seen a massive increase in popularity, especially among seniors, in recent years.
“Pickleball serves as a microcosm, embodying broader trends within the senior population that are poised to exert an outsized influence during the phase of societal reopening,” UBS stated.
Some dude who invests in health care and cares about trends and whatnot.
A report from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association revealed a staggering 113.1% increase in pickleball participation from 2020 to 2022. In December, Sports Illustrated even named pickleball “the fastest-growing sport” in America.
While UBS seems to be the first to link pickleball to the increase in nonurgent surgeries, the potential harm of the sport is not new. A 2019 report in the Journal of Emergency Medicine estimated about 19,000 pickleball injuries per year, with a chilling 90% of these affecting individuals aged 50 or older.
So, next time you pick up a pickleball paddle, remember to play safe! 🏓👍
Why All of This is A Bunch of Clickbait-Fearmongering 🐂💩
While the rising costs and injury rates associated with pickleball among seniors are indeed concerning, it’s crucial to remember the bigger picture here. Yes, there’s a risk of injury, but let’s not overlook the immense benefits of staying active, especially for seniors. Regular physical activity is a key component of healthy aging. It can help delay, prevent, or manage many costly chronic diseases.
Look at the joy, the youthful abandon on their faces. How many open heart surgeries is this saving?
Physical activity fosters normal growth and development, can reduce the risk of various chronic diseases, and can make people feel better, function better, sleep better, and reduce anxiety. So, before we rush to condemn pickleball for its injury statistics, let’s consider the alternative – a sedentary lifestyle. Lack of physical activity can lead to obesity, heart disease, and even depression. In my opinion, the benefits of seniors staying active, engaged, and social through a sport like pickleball far outweigh the risks. Let’s not allow fear of potential injuries to overshadow the importance of physical activity in maintaining overall health and well-being.
Jameson had three stints put in his left descending coronary artery. He was chubby, sedentary, and out of shape. Then he found pickleball at his local rec center. Now look at him!
Hi there, I'm Mason Kelley. I'm in my thirties and a veterinary assistant by day, helping take care of your furry friends. But once the scrubs come off, you'll usually find me with a paddle in hand.
I played D3 college tennis, so I thought transitioning to pickleball would be a breeze. Boy, was I wrong! The game is similar but has its own unique challenges that I've been excited to tackle. I've been playing for a few months now, and I'm completely hooked.
What I love most about pickleball is the community. It's a mix of competitive spirit and camaraderie that I haven't found in any other sport. Whether it's a casual game or a more intense match, the atmosphere is always welcoming.
When I'm not assisting in surgeries or chasing after pickleballs, I enjoy hiking, reading up on animal behavior, and trying to perfect my pickleball serve. If you're up for a game or just want to chat about the latest in veterinary medicine or pickleball strategies, feel free to reach out. I'm all ears!
