Medical Costs May Rise by $500 Million This Year Because of…Pickleball

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Wondering why medical costs are up? Learn how an increase in pickleball injuries could be to blame and what you can do about it. 

America has seen a dramatic increase in the popularity of pickleball, a sport that has become a favorite pastime for many seniors. However, according to new reports, this sport may be posing increasing healthcare costs all across the country. Medical costs may go up to $500 million by the end of the year, and the reason behind this astronomical rise in medical bills is none other than pickleball.

What is pickleball?

Pickleball is America’s fastest-growing sport for the third year in a row. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), pickleball has seen an increase in participation of 85.7% from 2021 to 2022 and a whopping 158.6% growth over three years.

Pickleball is a combination of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, and it’s played on a smaller court with a paddle and a plastic ball. It’s a fun and easy-to-learn sport that accommodates players of all ages and skill levels.

Pickleball linked to drastic increase in medical bills

The rise of pickleball as a major sport is a recent phenomenon, and one that has caught the healthcare industry off guard. While the sport is comparatively low impact, it still comes with its fair share of potential injuries.

As cited by Business Insider, a new analysis by UBS shows that this sport will cause unexpected medical costs to the tune of around $500 million this year. The study further predicts an estimated 66,750 emergency room visits and 366,186 outpatient visits attributed to pickleball for this year.

Healthcare costs have surged at an alarming rate, and the cost of hospital care has more than tripled since 2000, while other medical care services more than doubled. Insurers UnitedHealth and Humana have issued warnings regarding an unexpected surge in medical costs this year, hitting Americans’ checking accounts as well.

Seniors driving up the costs

According to UBS analysts, seniors are the major demographic driving these costs, as they are a third of the sport’s core fan base. Nearly 34,000 emergency department visits were caused by pickleball from 2010 to 2019, and 86% of those visits involved people over age 60.

More than 60% of these pickleball injuries were sprains, strains, and fractures. This number is expected to increase, as there are an estimated 22.3 million pickleball players in the U.S. this year.

Pickleball is here to stay

A significant number of adults in the United States do not meet the recommended level of physical activity, and this problem becomes more prevalent as individuals get older. One of the main obstacles to engaging in exercise is the lack of social interaction, which serves as a crucial source of motivation.

However, there is compelling evidence that shows pickleball players tend to continue participating. Unlike many other physical activities where people often give up after six months, pickleball enthusiasts consistently return to the court time and time again, largely due to the strong social element that the game offers.

Additionally, participating in pickleball can lead to improvements in overall well-being. Research published in Leisure Studies focusing on individuals aged 50 and older who were dedicated to pickleball revealed that those who took the sport seriously generally reported higher levels of life satisfaction.

As pickleball continues its rise in popularity, it is important to be aware of its potential impact on our healthcare system. While the sport has many benefits, including social and physical aspects, players should take steps to avoid injuries where possible. By encouraging safer play, and promoting alternative exercises that are easier on the body, we can help ensure that pickleball remains a beloved pastime, without costing us any more healthcare dollars than it already has.

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