Pickleball injuries can cost US insurance companies hundreds of millions a year, as insurers report an increase in hip replacements, knee surgeries and other elective procedures, according to the Daily Mail.
The recent surge in interest in the badminton-meets-tennis-meets-ping-pong sport matches what UnitedHealth Group reports as a “higher-than-expected” rate of injuries resulting in surgery.
UBS Group analysts say part of the increase, which results in increases in health care costs between $250 million and $500 million, is likely due to a 159% increase in the number of pickleball players in three years. Of these, about a third are seniors who play at least eight times a year, according to the Daily Mail.
The most common injuries of what has been called “America̵
7;s fastest growing sport” include sprains, sprains and fractures, with the wrist and lower leg being the most susceptible, Bloomberg reported.Source link
