09/12/2026
Hey there, pickleball enthusiasts! As your fellow pickleballer, I'm here to give you the lowdown on the top injuries that can happen on the court. Now, I know what you're thinking - "Pickleball is a fun, low-impact sport, how can I get hurt?" But trust me, even with the lower-impact nature of pickleball, injuries can still happen. And when they do, they can be pretty painful.
According to the research I've dug up, the top five most common injuries in pickleball are:
Wrist and forearm injuries - Yep, those pesky wrist sprains and forearm strains are a real concern for pickleball players. And it turns out, they account for a whopping 29% of all injuries. Ouch!
Ankle and foot injuries - Next up, we've got ankle sprains and foot injuries, making up 20% of all injuries. That's a lot of ouchies!
Shoulder and elbow injuries - Ah, the shoulder and elbow are next on the list, accounting for 15% of all injuries. These can be pretty painful, especially if you're a server or a receiver.
Knee injuries - Knee injuries are up next, making up 10% of all injuries. And let's be real, knees can be pretty tricky to deal with.
Back and spinal injuries - Last but not least, we've got back and spinal injuries, accounting for 5% of all injuries. These can be pretty serious, so make sure you're taking care of your back on the court.
Now, when it comes to age demographics, the most common age group for injuries is 65-74 years old. That's right, folks - even if you're not getting older, you're still at risk for injuries on the court.
And finally, let's talk about gender trends. It turns out that men are more likely to suffer from injuries to the upper extremities (shoulders, elbows, wrists), while women are more likely to suffer from injuries to the lower extremities (ankles, feet). And women are more likely to suffer from injuries to the back and spinal region, while men are more likely to suffer from injuries to the knee and lower extremities.
So there you have it, folks - the top injuries that can happen on the pickleball court. Now that you know what to look out for, make sure you're taking care of your body on the court. Here are some concrete, evidence-based prevention strategies to help you avoid these injuries:
Warm up with 10-15 minutes of light cardio and dynamic stretching before playing
Wear shoes with a non-marking sole and a snug fit to reduce the risk of slipping and falling
Use a paddle with a lightweight and balanced design to reduce the risk of injury to the arm and shoulder
Take regular breaks to rest and stretch your muscles
Avoid overexertion and fatigue
By following these tips and being mindful of your body on the court, you can minimize your risk of injury and stay healthy and happy for years to come. Happy pickleballing, everyone!
READ THE FULL 2026 Pickleball Injury Report ---> https://gchanmako.com/pickleball-injury-report-2026/
