Potential Pickleball Injuries May Result in Over $500 Million Loss for Americans in 2023

Pickleball Injuries, 500 Usd Doller Loss, In America, Reported by UBS

Pickleball, the fastest-growing sport in the United States, is anticipated to contribute to medical expenses ranging from $250 million to $500 million in 2023, as reported by UBS. This surge in costs is primarily due to the escalating injury rates, particularly among older adults. In this article, we delve into the growth of pickleball, its popularity during the pandemic, the projected increase in participants, and the associated healthcare expenses.

Table of Contents

The Phenomenal Rise of Pickleball

Pickleball, a game that has been played since the 1960s, witnessed a significant surge in popularity during the pandemic when individuals sought outdoor activities. According to data from the Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), the number of recreational pickleball players in the United States witnessed an astonishing increase of 159 percent over the past three years, surging from 3.5 million in 2019 to 8.9 million in 2022.

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Projected Surge in Participants

Based on projections by UBS, the number of pickleball participants is expected to double once again this year, surpassing 22 million. Among the most passionate players, seniors make up one-third of this group. UBS defines enthusiastic players as those engaging in the sport at least eight times per year. The appeal of pickleball to seniors lies in its relatively lower intensity compared to other racquet sports like tennis and squash. Moreover, it is considered more accessible and easier to learn.

UBS’s Investigation into Healthcare Costs

Motivated by UnitedHealth Group’s statement on the recent surge in healthcare expenses among Medicare patients, UBS analysts, led by Andrew Mok, decided to delve deeper into the matter. Their objective was to gain a comprehensive understanding of the issue. Through their analysis of the exponential growth of pickleball and the injuries associated with the sport, UBS uncovered a significant increase in spending on surgeries such as joint replacements.

The Financial Impact on Medical Costs

According to UBS’s findings, the medical costs directly linked to pickleball in 2023 are projected to amount to $377 million. Out of this total, approximately 80 percent, equivalent to $302 million, is attributed to outpatient treatments received in emergency rooms and doctor’s offices. UBS analysts relied on a 2021 research study published in the National Library of Medicine to support their estimations. The study focused on individuals aged 60 years and above who played pickleball, revealing that 21.5 percent of players experienced “non-injuries” such as cardiovascular events. Among the reported injuries, sprains accounted for 33.2 percent, followed by fractures at 28.1 percent and contusions at 10.6 percent. The study also identified wrists and lower legs as the most vulnerable areas prone to injuries during pickleball play.

Understanding the Injuries

To further shed light on pickleball-related injuries, UBS analysts examined a 2020 study published in the Journal of Emergency Medicine titled “Pickleball-Related Injuries Treated in Emergency Departments.” This study reiterated the prevalence of strains, sprains, and fractures as the most frequently encountered injuries. Notably, individuals aged 50 years and above constituted 90.9 percent of patients seeking treatment for pickleball injuries.

The Risks for Seniors

While exercise is generally associated with positive health outcomes, the dedicated and active approach adopted by today’s seniors can potentially increase the risk of sports injuries, leading to a higher incidence of orthopedic procedures. The report by UBS highlights that this heightened risk of injuries among seniors is particularly significant given that their activity levels remained low for a significant portion of the pandemic.

Conclusion

Pickleball’s rapid growth in the United States has not only captured the attention of sports enthusiasts but has also raised concerns about the associated healthcare costs. As the number of participants continues to rise, particularly among seniors, it becomes crucial to address the risks and promote injury prevention strategies. By understanding the impact of pickleball on healthcare expenses, we can strive to strike a balance between enjoying this popular sport and ensuring the well-being of its players.

FAQs

Q1. What is Pickleball and why has it experienced rapid growth in the United States?

A. Pickleball is a sport that originated in the 1960s and combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It has experienced rapid growth in the United States due to its accessibility, lower intensity compared to other racquet sports, and increased interest in outdoor activities, particularly during the pandemic.

Q2. How many recreational pickleball players were there in the United States in 2019 and 2022?

A. In 2019, there were approximately 3.5 million recreational pickleball players in the United States. By 2022, the number had increased significantly to 8.9 million.

Q3. What is the projected number of pickleball participants in 2023?

A. It is projected that the number of pickleball participants will exceed 22 million in 2023, doubling the previous year’s count.

Q4. What percentage of the most enthusiastic pickleball players are seniors?

A. According to UBS, one-third of the most enthusiastic pickleball players, defined as those engaging in the sport at least eight times per year, are seniors.

Q5. Why is pickleball appealing to seniors compared to other racquet sports?

A. Pickleball is perceived as more accessible and easier to learn than other racquet sports like tennis and squash. Additionally, it offers relatively lower intensity, making it an attractive option for seniors looking for a recreational activity that is less physically demanding.

Q6. How much are the projected medical costs directly linked to pickleball in 2023, according to UBS?

A. UBS projected that the medical costs directly linked to pickleball in 2023 will amount to $377 million.

Q7. What percentage of the total projected medical costs is attributed to outpatient treatments?

A. Approximately 80 percent of the total projected medical costs, equivalent to $302 million, is attributed to outpatient treatments received in emergency rooms and doctor’s offices.

Q8. What were the most common non-injuries and injuries reported among pickleball players aged 60 and above?

A. According to a study, among pickleball players aged 60 and above, the most common non-injuries reported were cardiovascular events. Among injuries, the most common were sprains (33.2 percent), followed by fractures (28.1 percent) and contusions (10.6 percent).

Q9. What vulnerable areas are prone to injuries during pickleball play?

A. The study identified wrists and lower legs as the most vulnerable areas prone to injuries during pickleball play.

Q10. What age group constitutes the majority of patients seeking treatment for pickleball-related injuries?

A. The majority of patients seeking treatment for pickleball-related injuries are individuals aged 50 and above, as indicated by a study mentioned in the article.

Q11. How does the determined and active approach of today’s seniors increase the risk of sports injuries?

A. The report by UBS suggests that while exercise is generally associated with positive health outcomes, the determined and active approach adopted by today’s seniors can increase the risk of sports injuries, leading to a higher incidence of orthopedic procedures.

Q12. How did the pandemic impact seniors’ activity levels and their risk of sports injuries?

A. The article mentions that seniors’ activity levels remained low for a significant portion of the pandemic. However, the surge in popularity of outdoor activities, including pickleball, during the pandemic likely led to increased participation among seniors, consequently increasing their risk of sports injuries.