Pickleball is undoubtedly one of the highest-rising sports in the US. Despite the criticism it has received from the fans of its parent sport, tennis, it has continued to flourish in the country. We have seen the likes of Venus and Serena Williams promoting the sport avidly. However, recently concerning numbers have come out depicting the dire state that pickleball is putting people in.
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Being a comparatively easier sport as compared to tennis, a lot of older fans have joined in the hype of pickleball. However, the consequent results of playing the sport for a relatively decent period are proving to be detrimental.
Tennis-modified Pickleball shows alarming health stats
Legendary players like Martina Navratilova have time and again vocally criticized the rise of pickleball. The sport finds its origin in tennis and the modified sport has now become a sport played by almost 22.3 million people in the USA. Out of which one-third of the population comprises the elderly generation.
It might sound like a boon for older people’s health. However, the recent stats revealed by investment bank UBS are bringing out the concerning numbers. The increase in injuries is being attributed to the rise of the sport in the US. It revealed people because of pickleball injuries will spend a whopping $250-500 million this year.
The victims of pickleball injuries fall are usually people over the age of 60. As per the USB report, pickleball injuries will lead to 67,000 emergency department trips, 366,000 outpatient visits, 8,8000 outpatient surgeries, 4,700 hospitalizations, and 20,000 post-acute episodes.
Out of the $377,000,000 of the medical cost, 80% of the spending will come from the outpatient setting. This is a worrisome stat as this shows that pickleball increases the risk of injuries.
A similar concern has been expressed by John McEnroe who interestingly was a part of the first pickleball major tournament.
John McEnroe gives concerning advice to people switching to pickleball
The eight-time Grand Slam champion has repeatedly expressed his dislike for the rising sport. However, even then he joined in the hype as he became part of the first major of pickleball.
However, he also expressed his concern for the people switching to pickleball. He warned that one’s body is susceptible to more injuries while playing the sport. What is your outlook towards the rising sport? Let us know your views in the comments below.
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Snigdhaa Jaiswal