Doctors warn of rising sports injuries from pickleball and football

Medical professionals at the Post Hospital 2026 Annual Scientific Conference have highlighted a significant increase in sports-related injuries, noting that the department receives approximately 15 to 20 cases daily. Common activities leading to injury include football, badminton, and pickleball.

Dr. Tran Duc Thinh reported several specific cases, including a man over 40 who suffered a complete Achilles tendon rupture while playing pickleball. Despite having a strong physique, the patient required surgery and nearly two months of recovery before walking normally. Doctors noted that after age 35, tendons may lose elasticity, increasing injury risks even for active individuals.

Other common issues include recurrent shoulder dislocations, often seen in badminton players due to excessive reaching, and cumulative knee pain in pickleball players. The repetitive movements of squatting, changing direction, and lowering the center of gravity in pickleball can lead to micro-traumas that accumulate over time. Experts warn that returning to activity too early or ignoring persistent pain can lead to long-term damage.