Pickleball Injuries Rise as Older Adults Push Themselves Too Hard

Doctor warns that overexertion on the court can lead to sprains, inflammation, and other issues.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Board-certified physician Dr. Rhea Rogers explains that many pickleball injuries occur in older adults who may push themselves too hard on the court, leading to sprains, inflammation, and other issues. Players should understand their limits, gradually build up strength and conditioning, and not try to resume play at the same level as when they were younger.

Why it matters

Pickleball has exploded in popularity, especially among older adults, but the physical demands of the sport can lead to injuries if players don't properly prepare their bodies. Understanding the risks and taking steps to condition gradually can help older adults enjoy the benefits of pickleball while avoiding painful setbacks.

The details

Pickleball, a mashup of ping-pong, tennis and badminton, has been around since 1965 but has recently grown in popularity. While the sport offers social and physical benefits, it also carries a risk of injuries like sprains, inflammation, and tendon ruptures, especially for older adults who may push themselves too hard on the court. Proper conditioning, understanding one's limits, and gradually building up strength and coordination are key to avoiding these types of injuries.

  • Pickleball has been around since 1965.
  • The sport has recently exploded in popularity.

The players

Dr. Rhea Rogers

A board-certified physician who explains the risks of pickleball injuries in older adults.

Sharon Grundel

Manages health care training programs at Holyoke Community College and enjoys playing pickleball, but has experienced injuries like being hit in the eye with a pickleball.

Barbara Johnson

A pickleball player who has witnessed the joy of winning as well as the agony of injury, such as a friend rupturing their Achilles tendon while playing.

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What they’re saying

“I was hit in the eye with a pickleball at close range.”

— Sharon Grundel, Health care training program manager

“I was just playing with a friend a few weeks ago, and he ruptured his Achilles tendon while we were playing.”

— Barbara Johnson, Pickleball player

“A lot of sprains — be the sprains in the ankle, the knees, or the wrist. A lot of people are just inflamed. So overuse.”

— Dr. Rhea Rogers, Board-certified physician

“It's not like you can resume at age 60 where you left off at 18. Because your body has made some changes. You have to work yourself up to it. You know, even if it's just walking – a little bit of exercise… building muscle.”

— Dr. Rhea Rogers, Board-certified physician

“And we always say in the medical world. Muscle is the currency of longevity. When you have muscle, you have a balance. You're putting all those different things together. But that – it's a gradual thing that you have to work way up to.”

— Dr. Rhea Rogers, Board-certified physician

The takeaway

As pickleball continues to grow in popularity among older adults, it's crucial for players to understand the risks and take steps to condition their bodies gradually. Proper preparation, including strengthening the lower body and core, can help prevent painful sprains, inflammation, and other injuries that can occur when players push themselves too hard on the court.