Are pickleball injuries rising? A shoulder surgeon's perspective
Short answer: Ilya Voloshin, MD, a shoulder and elbow surgeon at UR Medicine, said in August 2024 that pickleball injuries have increased in proportion to the millions of adults taking up the sport, and that the sport is easier on the body than other racquet sports in his opinion.
This is one clinician's published opinion from 2024, and the player-count figures he cites come from USA Pickleball at that time. See our 2026 SFIA numbers for newer data.
His points
- Injuries have risen, but in proportion to participation. He cited USA Pickleball's figure of 4.8 million players in 2021 rising to 8.9 million in 2023.
- The sport draws many people in their 50s, 60s and 70s, who are more prone to orthopaedic injuries, though he says that should not discourage them.
- Most injuries are strains of joints, muscles and tendons, and fractures from falls.
- He considers it safer than tennis, squash, paddle and racquetball for reasons including the smaller court, lighter paddle and lighter ball.
Prevention
Condition first (walking and cycling build endurance), take a lesson, and warm up with light active stretching. Talk to a doctor or physical therapist if you have not been physically active.
Sources
Sources checked 14 Oct 2026. Header photo: A player ready at the net at an indoor pickleball tournament, by SET04SARAH2024, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
