Tennis is a fast-paced racket sport which requires repeated ball strikes, aggressive footwork, and quick body movements. Although the sport improves cardiovascular health and body coordination, it is well known for leading to overuse and impact injuries in the upper and lower limbs.
Causes and Risk Factors
Repetitive arm and wrist motion
- Improper stroke mechanics
- Sudden changes in the direction of the body
- Poor conditioning or warm-up
- Playing on hard surfaces
- Inadequate rest between matches
Common Injuries in Tennis
- Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Definition: This condition is characterised by inflammation of the elbow’s exterior tendons.
Cause: Overuse of the forearm muscles and repetitive backhand strokes.
Symptoms include severe tenderness in the muscles when bending the wrist, a weak grip, and pain on the outside of the elbow.
- Rotator Cuff Injury
Definition: Shoulder tear or inflammation of the tendon.
Cause: Smashing and overhead serves.
Symptoms include weakness, shoulder pain, and a decreased range of motion in the arm.
- Wrist Tendinitis
Definition: Inflammation of wrist tendons.
Cause: During topspin ischemic attacks, wrist initiatives occur regularly.
Symptoms include tenderness, swelling, and pain when the wrist is extended or flexed.
- Ankle Sprain
Definition: Ligament stretch or tear in the ankle.
Cause: Twisting while changing direction or landing awkwardly.
Symptoms: Swelling, bruising, and pain with movement or weight-bearing.
- Knee Pain (Patellar Tendinitis or Meniscal Injury)
Definition: Overuse or impact injury of the knee.
Cause: Frequent jumping or sudden pivots.
Symptoms: Pain around the kneecap or inside the knee joint.
- Calf Strain
Definition: A Tear in the calf muscle fibres.
Cause: Sudden push-off or sprint.
Symptoms: Sharp pain in the calf, difficulty walking or jumping.
- Back Strain
Definition: Lumbar muscle strain.
Cause: Groundstroke rotation.
Symptoms: Post-play lower back pain, stiffness, and tightness.
Shoulder impingement refers to the pinching of tendons or bursae in the shoulder joint.
Recurrent overhead actions. Pain with arm elevation, decreased shoulder range.
Diagnosis
- Physical exam and movement testing
- Palpation for tenderness
- Imaging: X-ray, MRI, and ultrasound if any structural injury is suspected.
Treatment Of Injuries In Tennis
Rest and activity modification
Pain and inflammation comfort using ice and NSAIDs
Physiotherapy for strength and flexibility
Joint support bracing/taping
Subsequently, get back to sport with the correct approach
Severe cases may require:
Corticosteroid shots
- The surgery for tendon tears or impingement
Prevention
- Proper warm-up and cool-down
- Strengthening of shoulder, wrist, and core muscles
- Regular stretching and mobility exercises
- Technique improvement with coaching
- Use of appropriate footwear and racquet grip
- Adequate hydration and rest periods
Conclusion
Tennis players commonly suffer from overuse injuries of the elbow, shoulder, wrist and lower limb. These injuries can be avoided with good technique, proper conditioning, and an effective recovery strategy. Timely diagnosis and a practical treatment strategy help facilitate faster recovery while preserving the long-term mobility and flexibility of the joints.
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