The $377 Million Ache: Why America’s Favorite Sport Pickleball is Breaking Bones (And How to Survive the Court)

It’s the sound of Saturday mornings across America: the pop-pop-pop of a plastic ball hitting a paddle. Pickleball is officially a cultural phenomenon. It’s social, it’s fast, and—allegedly—it’s "low impact."

But if you ask an ER doctor, they’ll tell you a different story.

According to a bombshell report from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), the "safe" sport of the suburbs is causing a massive wave of medical emergencies. We dug into the latest 2024-2025 data, and the numbers are startling.

The "90-Fold" Fracture Spike You read that right. Over the last 20 years, pickleball-related fractures have increased by 90-fold. The data shows a vertical spike in injuries starting in 2020, correlating perfectly with the sport's explosion in popularity.

But here is the "juicy" part that most people miss: 91% of these injuries occur in players over the age of 50.

While we feel 25 at heart, our tendons and reaction times tell a different story. The game requires quick, lateral movements—shuffling side-to-side at the "kitchen line"—that our bodies often aren't conditioned for. The result? A slip, a trip, and a fall.

The Gender Divide: Wrists vs. Hips The data gets even more specific. The study found a fascinating (and painful) divide in how men and women get hurt:

• The Wrist Risk: Women, particularly those over 65, account for the majority of wrist fractures. This is usually caused by the "FOOSH" instinct—Falling On an Outstretched Hand.

• The Hospital Risk: While women break more bones overall, men are 2.3 times more likely to be hospitalized. Why? Men are suffering more severe lower-body trauma, specifically hip and femur fractures, often from diving for shots they should probably let go.

The New Danger Zone: Protect Your Eyes It’s not just bones. A new study published in JAMA Ophthalmology revealed that pickleball eye injuries are surging. In 2024 alone, there were over 1,200 emergency room visits for ocular trauma—ranging from black eyes to retinal detachments.

The culprit? The ball speed. At the net, a pickleball can travel at 40mph. If it deflects off a partner's paddle, you have milliseconds to react. (Author's Note: Please, buy some safety glasses!)

Your Survival Guide: The Recovery Routine We aren't telling you to hang up your paddle. We love the game! But if you want to stay on the court and out of the ER statistics, you need to treat your recovery as seriously as your serve.

Analysts estimate that pickleball injuries cost Americans over $377 million in medical bills last year. Don't contribute to that number.

Step 1: The Gear. Proper court shoes (not running shoes!) prevent the ankle rolls that lead to falls. Step 2: The Warm-up. Cold muscles snap; warm muscles stretch. Step 3: The Best Buds Protocol. After the match, when the adrenaline wears off and the "Pickleball Elbow" sets in, you need immediate support. This is where the Best Buds Muscle Rubs & Creams shines.

Our roll-on formula is designed for the "Weekend Warrior." It’s packed with soothing hemp-derived CBD and cooling menthol to tackle the deep, throbbing stiffness in your lower back, knees, and shoulders. It’s not about masking pain so you can play through an injury (never do that!); it’s about supporting your body’s natural recovery process.

Massage the roller into your calves to help relax tight muscles before they cramp. Roll it over that stiff neck from looking up for lobs. Make it a ritual.

The Bottom Line Play hard, have fun, but respect the risks. Your body is the most expensive piece of equipment you own—treat it that way.

FDA DISCLAIMER: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.