Pickleball is a Threat to Public Health

I recently read, with unmitigated horror, the JAMA article, As Pickleball Continues to Gain Players, Injuries Are Increasing. I read of an “alarming increase in eye injuries” and learned that there has been a “3-fold increase in the number of players, but almost a 7-fold increase in the number of injuries.”

I felt terribly for the people who were out enjoying themselves, only to be injured. I was also wracked with guilt for the people I had likely set on the path to harm. As a general internist who believes that humans are meant to be active, I frequently recommend exercise to people who are sedentary. I frequently say:

“Go out and walk briskly, for at least twenty minutes, every day. Push yourself so that you are a little out of breath. You should be able to talk, but not carry on a regular conversation. Over time, you will find that you will be able to walk faster for longer.”

While I used to say these words without a second thought, I now realize I might be, unintentionally but essentially, referring my patients to an ophthalmologist, an orthopedist, or even an undertaker.

Fortunately, the pickleball article provided sound and well-founded advice. One recommendation was to tell people, “Hey, injuries are usually caused by falls, getting hit by the ball, or hit by a paddle.” So that they would be more careful.