The Pickleball Hip Phenomenon: How America’s Fastest Growing Sport Is Creating Unique Hip Injury Patterns

Pickleball has exploded from a backyard novelty to America’s fastest-growing sport, with participation rising from 4.8 million in 2021 to 8.9 million in 2023. But with this meteoric rise comes an alarming trend: bone fractures related to pickleball have increased 200% over the last 20 years, with hip injuries emerging as one of the most serious concerns for players.

The Hip Injury Epidemic in Pickleball

Hip injuries in pickleball present a unique challenge that sets them apart from other racquet sports. The lower trunk (hip and pelvis) was the most common injury site among admitted patients (42.2%), with around 7% of patients admitted to the hospital, most frequently with hip/pelvis fractures. This statistic is particularly concerning given that men’s fractures tended to be in bones of the lower body, such as the hip and femur, which are more likely to result in a hospital stay than fractures in the upper body.

The mechanisms behind these hip injuries are multifaceted. Pickleball-related hip injuries are typically a result of falls or sudden lateral movements, with 42% of participants reporting a fall while playing the sport. The sport’s unique movement patterns, including intense cutting and back-and-forth motions, place extraordinary stress on the hip joint and surrounding musculature.

Specific Hip Injury Patterns

The most common hip injuries in pickleball include several distinct patterns. The most common hip injuries from pickleball are muscle strains of the gluteal, hip flexor or hamstring muscles, with labral tears and exacerbation of underlying hip arthritis also occurring. Additionally, hip pain on the outside of the hip—especially among pickleball enthusiasts—often points to trochanteric bursitis, an inflamed bursa near the greater trochanter of the femur.

The sport’s biomechanical demands create perfect conditions for these injuries. Hip flexor muscles can become strained due to the quick and repetitive movements in pickleball, while bursitis develops from inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the hip joint, with overuse or repetitive motions irritating these bursae.

Why Pickleball Creates Unique Hip Problems

Several factors contribute to pickleball’s distinctive hip injury profile. The sport’s accessibility attracts many players who haven’t been athletically active for years. Many pickleball players already have baseline arthritis due to their age, and when you have arthritis and then further aggravate it with twisting or trauma, the arthritis can flare up. Picklers are also notorious for not warming up and for continuing to play through an injury.

The demographic most affected compounds the problem. Players over the age of 50 accounted for more than 90% of pickleball-related injuries using data from 2013-2017, and for senior men and women, the primary mechanism for pickleball-related injury was a slip, trip, fall or dive.

Prevention and Treatment Approaches

Preventing hip injuries in pickleball requires a comprehensive approach. Weak core, low-back and gluteal muscles are important to train and keep strong, especially with a lot of quick movement and lateral transitions, as making your core strong enables you to make sudden movements needed in pickleball.

For those experiencing hip pain, seeking professional help is crucial. If you’re dealing with Hip Pain Grand Rapids, chiropractic care can provide effective, non-invasive treatment options. Muscle strains are treated with rest, anti-inflammatories and physical therapy to work on stretching and strengthening, while labral tears are often treated non-operatively with anti-inflammatories, physical therapy and sometimes injections.

The Chiropractic Approach to Pickleball Hip Injuries

Chiropractic care offers a holistic approach to treating pickleball-related hip injuries. At Chiropractic First in Grand Rapids, the goal is not to hide the symptoms of pain but to understand their cause so patients can live a healthier, more fulfilling life. Dr. Heath believes in a whole person focus to wellness, working to cure the underlying problem rather than just treating symptoms.

The practice has been serving the Wyoming, Grand Rapids, and Kentwood communities from the same location since 1998, providing individualized evaluation instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach, with Dr. Heath using different techniques based on what patients actually need.

Looking Forward

As pickleball continues its explosive growth, understanding and preventing hip injuries becomes increasingly critical. The growing popularity of pickleball has been accompanied by a rise in injuries, particularly among older adults, requiring healthcare providers to focus on injury prevention strategies, including player education and risk mitigation.

The key to enjoying pickleball safely lies in proper preparation, understanding your body’s limitations, and seeking appropriate care when injuries occur. With the right approach to prevention and treatment, players can continue enjoying America’s fastest-growing sport while protecting their hip health for years to come.