Pickleball Wrist Fractures: Rising Injuries in Florida

By Dr. Amit Varma, Double Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon
Florida Sports Injury & Orthopedic Institute

Pickleball wrist fractures are now one of the fastest-growing injuries in Florida. Emergency rooms report a 200% increase since 2020. This matches the sport’s explosive popularity. What started as a retirement activity has become competitive athletics for all ages.

Additionally, Florida’s year-round playing season means players never get natural recovery time. Therefore, sports medicine specialists see more injuries than ever before.

Understanding Pickleball Wrist Fractures

Pickleball creates unique injury patterns. Players make rapid direction changes and backward movements. Furthermore, overhead shots can compromise balance. When falls occur, players instinctively catch themselves with an outstretched hand. Consequently, force transfers directly to the wrist bones.

Moreover, Florida’s conditions create more risk. Humidity wears down court surfaces faster. Many community courts have outdoor surfaces that become slippery after rain. Therefore, fall risk increases significantly.

According to the National Library of Medicine, wrist fractures in racquet sports have increased among adults over 50. Additionally, pickleball represents the fastest-growing category. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reports that sports-related wrist injuries now account for 15% of all fractures.

Common Pickleball Wrist Fracture Types

Three main types of pickleball wrist fractures occur most often:

Distal Radius Fractures from Pickleball

This is the most common pattern. It happens when players fall backward during net exchanges. The distal radius breaks at its end where it meets the hand. Furthermore, this fracture can involve the joint surface. Therefore, it may require surgery to prevent arthritis later.

Scaphoid Fractures in Pickleball Players

The scaphoid bone sits at the thumb base. It breaks during falls onto an outstretched hand. Moreover, these injuries are particularly concerning. The bone has poor blood supply. Consequently, it can fail to heal if not treated properly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identifies scaphoid fractures as a leading cause of chronic wrist pain in athletes.

Ulnar Styloid Fractures

These injuries affect the bony bump on the pinky side of the wrist. They are less common but equally problematic. Additionally, they often occur with distal radius fractures. Therefore, they can compromise wrist stability if not addressed.

Why Florida Players Get Pickleball Wrist Fractures

Florida’s unique factors increase the risk of pickleball wrist fractures. The state leads the nation in both pickleball participation and related injuries.

Age and Bone Density

Florida’s large retirement population means many players are over 60. This age group faces the highest risk for pickleball wrist fractures due to decreased bone density. Furthermore, postmenopausal women face a particularly high risk. The National Institutes of Health reports that osteoporosis affects nearly 25% of Florida women over 65.

Court Conditions

Humidity accelerates court wear in Florida. This creates uneven playing surfaces. Additionally, outdoor courts become slippery during morning dew. Therefore, fall risk increases significantly. Indoor courts offer temperature control. However, they often have hard surfaces that provide no cushioning during falls.

Playing Intensity

Florida’s competitive pickleball community drives players to push limits. Tournament play creates scenarios where fatigue affects balance. Consequently, reaction time suffers. This creates prime conditions for pickleball wrist fractures.

How We Diagnose Pickleball Wrist Fractures

Dr. Amit Varma and our team at Florida Sports Injury & Orthopedic Institute use a thorough approach. First, we take a detailed injury history. Understanding how the fall happened helps predict fracture patterns. Additionally, it reveals associated soft tissue damage.

Our physical examination includes:

• Checking bony landmarks for tenderness
• Testing range of motion
• Checking nerves and blood vessels
• Measuring grip strength

Next, imaging studies follow a clear path:

Standard X-rays

Three views capture most wrist fractures. Dr. Varma personally reviews these. Therefore, we identify subtle fractures that emergency rooms might miss.

CT Scanning

Complex fractures need CT evaluation. This three-dimensional imaging guides surgical planning. Furthermore, it clearly shows fragment displacement. The American College of Radiology recommends CT for all joint surface fractures.

MRI Studies

Sometimes X-rays appear normal, yet symptoms persist. In these cases, MRI can find hidden fractures. Additionally, it shows ligament tears or cartilage damage. Scaphoid fractures particularly benefit from early MRI. Therefore, we catch them before complications develop.

Treatment Options for Pickleball Wrist Fractures

Feature	Florida Sports Injury Institute	General Clinics	Emergency Rooms
Sports Medicine Training	Fellowship-trained in sports injuries	General training only	Limited sports knowledge
Same-Day Visits	Available for acute injuries	Wait times 3-7 days	Immediate but not specialized
Advanced Imaging	On-site X-ray, MRI, ultrasound	May need outside referrals	X-ray only
Surgery Options	Minimally invasive techniques	Traditional open surgery	Referral to outside surgeon
Rehab Services	In-house therapy for pickleball	Generic protocols	No rehab services
Return-to-Play	Sport-specific progression	Basic clearance	No follow-up
Insurance	Most major plans accepted	Varies	Often higher costs
Patient Portal	24/7 access to records	Limited online services	No ongoing access

At Florida Sports Injury & Orthopedic Institute, Dr. Varma’s double board certification ensures comprehensive care. His training in both orthopedic surgery and sports medicine addresses immediate injury and long-term athletic goals. Furthermore, our experience with pickleball athletes means treatment plans match the sport’s specific demands.

Non-surgical treatment includes:

• Custom splinting with weekly monitoring
• Early movement protocols to prevent stiffness
• Bone stimulation therapy for faster healing
• Nutrition counseling for bone health

However, surgery becomes necessary when:

• Fracture moves more than 2mm
• The joint surface is damaged
• Ligament injuries accompany the fracture
• Bone fails to heal despite treatment

Dr. Varma uses minimally invasive techniques whenever possible. These include:

• Percutaneous pinning for stable fractures
• Volar plate fixation for radius fractures
• Arthroscopic reduction for joint injuries
• Headless screw fixation for scaphoid fractures

Recovery from Pickleball Wrist Fractures

Successful recovery requires a structured approach. The timeline varies based on fracture severity and treatment method. However, following the plan closely improves outcomes.

Weeks 1-2: Acute Phase

First, we focus on pain control and swelling reduction. Patients keep the wrist elevated. Additionally, ice therapy helps. Dr. Varma schedules follow-ups to monitor healing with repeat X-rays.

Weeks 3-6: Healing Phase

Bone healing progresses during this time. Early movement exercises begin. Dr. Aalok Shah, our nonoperative sports medicine physician, works with patients who are progressing well without surgery. Furthermore, physical therapy introduces gentle movement. This prevents joint stiffness while protecting healing bone.

Weeks 7-12: Strengthening Phase

Most simple pickleball wrist fractures have healed enough to begin loading. Grip strengthening starts. Additionally, wrist curls and functional exercises prepare patients for activities. For pickleball players, this phase includes sport-specific drills. These mimic game movements without complete contact.

Months 3-6: Return to Sport

Gradual return to pickleball begins with doubles play. Next, it progresses to singles. Finally, competitive matches resume. Dr. Varma clears patients based on:

• Complete fracture healing on X-ray
• Full pain-free movement
• Grip strength at 80% of the uninjured side
• Successful sport-specific testing

Preventing Pickleball Wrist Fractures

Prevention requires addressing equipment, technique, and conditioning. These strategies can reduce injury risk by 60%. Research from the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine supports this.

Equipment Changes

• Use paddles with a proper grip size to reduce wrist strain
• Wear court shoes with good lateral support
• Consider wrist guards during high-intensity play
• Replace worn shoes every 3-4 months

Technique Improvements

• Work with a certified instructor to refine footwork
• Practice controlled backward movements
• Strengthen core for better balance
• Learn proper falling techniques that protect wrists

Physical Conditioning

• Maintain bone health through weight-bearing exercise
• Take vitamin D and calcium as your doctor recommends
• Include balance training in weekly workouts
• Strengthen wrist muscles with specific exercises

Dr. Brian Patterson, our sports medicine physician, offers prevention consultations for pickleball players. These sessions include video analysis of your technique. Additionally, you receive customized exercise programs.

When to Get Help for Pickleball Wrist Fractures

Get immediate help at Varma Shoulder Institute or Florida Sports Injury & Orthopedic Institute if you have:

• Severe wrist pain after a fall during play
• Visible wrist or hand deformity
• Inability to move fingers or wrist
• Numbness or tingling in fingers
• Swelling that develops quickly after injury

Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Early diagnosis by fellowship-trained specialists ensures the best outcomes. Dr. William Athans (Sports Medicine) and Dr. Peter Shekailo (Adult Reconstructive Surgery) provide expert care. For hand and wrist concerns, Dr. Matthew Lee Welsh, a fellowship-trained Hand Surgeon, offers specialized treatment.

Call or text (352) 404-8956 for same-day appointments. Our walk-in clinic means you don’t need to wait in pain. Furthermore, we offer convenient scheduling options.

Common Questions About Pickleball Wrist Fractures