Pickleball — the sport that looks like a friendly mash-up of ping-pong and badminton — is quietly destroying America’s seniors.

 

Physical therapist Phil Mitchell, co-owner of Mitchell Holistic Health, joined La Crosse Talk to explain why so many people — especially older adults — are winding up injured after what’s supposed to be this fun, low-stress activity.

 

Mitchell shared insight on common pickleball injuries and how to prevent them — whether you’re just getting back into exercise or already active, but not quite prepared for the quick, lateral movement the sport demands.

And while the sport may look harmless, the injury stats say otherwise:

• Over 67,000 ER visits in 2023 were linked to pickleball.

• 86% of those patients were 60 or older.

• Pickleball-related injuries cost Americans an estimated $377 million last year.

• And in the past 20 years, fractures among 60–69-year-olds have increased by 90% — largely due to pickleball mishaps.

And in the past 20 years, fractures among 60–69-year-olds have increased by 90% — largely due to pickleball mishaps.

It’s a bit of a paradox because pickleball looks harmless — even goofy — but it’s proving to be surprisingly punishing on the body. Some of that may be due to the competitive spark older generations haven’t had in awhile, plus the fact that their bodies aren’t ready to move in that way. 

Either way, Mitchell offers solid advice on how to keep your body in the game — and off the injury list. Because, let’s be honest, nobody wants to tell their friends they tore their Achilles playing pickleball.

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