SINGAPORE, Oct 24 — What started as a recreational activity to stay fit has increasingly resulted in more pickleball players seeking medical treatment for injuries.
According to CNA, several clinics reported that cases linked to pickleball have doubled, coinciding with the sport’s rapid rise in popularity across Singapore.
Doctors said they are treating everything from muscle strains to eye injuries as the game’s fast pace and competitiveness challenge casual players.
One doctor explained to CNA that the mechanics of pickleball present unique challenges compared to other racquet sports. It involves frequent and sudden side-to-side movements, which can lead to knee and ankle twisting.
He noted that most of the injuries he has treated involve individuals over the age of 40, a group prone to tendon or joint problems, as well as beginners who do not use proper form or equipment.
Clinics reportedly have recorded twice as many pickleball-related cases this year compared with 2024, with many stemming from poor form or inadequate preparation.
The game’s quick movements and abrupt direction changes have been blamed for a spike in knee and ankle sprains, ligament tears, as well as shoulder and elbow strains.
Players often underestimate the physical strain of repetitive swinging and sudden shifts, leading to falls and overuse injuries.
In severe cases, participants have sustained eye injuries after being hit by the ball, ranging from bruises to detached retinas.
“The fun part about pickleball is that it is easy to pick up. But to play well and all, it takes a lot of time, effort and training,” one pickleball player told CNA.
