Pickleball has exploded in popularity, becoming America's fastest-growing sport. With millions of new players hitting the courts, it's natural for sports scientists to start looking at the unique injury patterns emerging. A new study from Foot & ankle orthopaedics, published in 2026, dives deep into Achilles tendon ruptures (ATRs) specifically linked to pickleball, revealing some crucial insights for players and coaches alike.
Pickleball's Rapid Rise, New Injury Profile
It's no secret pickleball is booming, with participation soaring nearly 1000% since 2019 to an astounding 36.5 million players by 2023. What makes pickleball unique is its broad appeal, especially attracting a predominantly older demographic. In fact, an estimated 90% of pickleball-related emergency room visits are for players over 50 years old!
While pickleball shares biomechanical demands with sports like tennis—think quick starts, sudden stops, and lateral movements—its smaller court size, underhand serve, and draw for less conditioned athletes might create a different injury landscape. This new research set out to compare pickleball-related Achilles tendon ruptures with those from tennis and other sports.
The Study's Key Findings: Age is a Major Factor
Researchers reviewed over 1000 acute Achilles tendon ruptures requiring surgical repair over a five-year period (2018-2022). Here’s what they discovered:
- Pickleball is a growing contributor: Pickleball accounted for 3.9% of all Achilles tendon ruptures requiring surgery in this study. When combined with tennis, racquet sports represented the third leading mechanism, at 9% of all ATRs.
- Older players are significantly more affected: The median age for patients experiencing a pickleball-related Achilles rupture was 60 years old. This was significantly higher than tennis-related ruptures (median age 44.5 years) and ruptures from all other sports (median age 37 years).
- Gender and BMI: Similar to other sports, the majority of pickleball-related Achilles ruptures (77.5%) occurred in males. Interestingly, players in racquet sports (including pickleball) generally had a lower Body Mass Index (BMI) compared to those injured in other activities.
This study highlights a clear shift: pickleball is bringing serious injuries, like Achilles ruptures, to an older population that might not have previously been involved in such explosive sports.
What This Means for Your Training
Understanding these findings is crucial for every pickleball player and coach, especially given the sport's explosive nature combined with an older demographic. Here are actionable takeaways to help protect your Achilles tendon:
- Prioritize a Dynamic Warm-Up: Don't just step onto the court cold. Engage in 5-10 minutes of light cardio (like jogging in place) and dynamic stretches (leg swings, walking lunges, calf raises). This prepares your tendons and muscles for the quick bursts and changes of direction pickleball demands.
- Strengthen Your Calves and Achilles: Incorporate targeted exercises to build resilience in your lower legs. Eccentric calf raises (lifting onto your toes quickly, then lowering slowly for a count of 3-5 seconds) are particularly beneficial for Achilles health. Work on balance and plyometric drills (like low-impact hops) to improve tendon elasticity and shock absorption.
- Progress Gradually and Listen to Your Body: Pickleball can be deceptively intense. Avoid jumping into long, high-intensity sessions if you're new to the sport or returning after a break. Gradually increase your playing time and intensity. Pay attention to any persistent calf pain or stiffness. If you feel a sudden 'pop' in your calf or heel, stop playing immediately and seek medical attention.
Pickleball is fantastic for physical and social health, but like any sport, it comes with risks. By being informed and proactive, we can all enjoy the game more safely.
Have you adjusted your warm-up or training routine for pickleball? Let us know your tips in the comments!