Pickleball, an increasingly popular racket or paddle sport, is seeing a surge in injuries, physicians say, CBS affiliate WANE reported Nov. 16.
The sport is now the fastest-growing in the U.S. with 5 million players across the nation.
Dennis Cardone, MD, associate professor at the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at NYU Langone Health in New York City, told the news outlet the injuries he's encountering most are in the lower leg, along with muscle strains and lower back issues.
USA Pickleball said over half of pickleball players are 55 and over, according to WANE. The average age of all players is 38.
Dr. Cardone told the news outlet the best way to prevent injury is preparation with stretching and strengthening exercises.