Tennis & Wrist Injuries

Wrist injuries are prevalent in tennis, stemming from both acute trauma and chronic overuse syndrome due to repetitive movements. While they can affect various structures like tendons, ligaments, bones, and nerves, tendon injuries are the most common source of pain among tennis players.

The pain often manifests on the outer (radial) or inner (ulnar) side of the wrist, and can even radiate to the palm. Symptoms range from persistent pain to peculiar sounds during ball strikes.

The extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) tendon, located on the inner (ulnar) side of the wrist, is crucial for wrist and forearm rotation, making it susceptible to injury in sports like tennis that involve repetitive twisting motions. Excessive strain on the ECU tendon can cause it to become inflamed, leading to pain, swelling, and limited movement. If the inflammation persists and is not addressed, it can develop into chronic ECU tendinopathy, a painful condition. In some cases, the sheath that stabilizes the ECU tendon can rupture, causing the tendon to subluxate (partial dislocation) during wrist movement, leading to a characteristic snapping or popping sensation. Treatment for ECU tendon injuries usually starts with conservative measures such as rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). In more severe cases, corticosteroid or PRP (Platelet-Rich-Plasma) injections may be considered.

The treatment for a wrist injury often begins with immobilizing the wrist using a splint. If the injury doesn’t improve with splinting, surgery may be necessary to repair the damage.

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, also known as De Quervain’s syndrome, is a common wrist condition, particularly among tennis players, that causes pain and swelling at the base of the thumb due to inflammation of tendons. It is characterized by pain with thumb and wrist movements and can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks.

The initial treatment for certain tendon or ligament injuries involves a multi-faceted approach.

This typically includes modifying activities to reduce stress on the affected area (modification of loading), immobilizing of the wrist to limit tendon movement (immobilization), administering anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling, and potentially injecting corticosteroids into the painful area to further reduce inflammation. If these initial measures fail to provide sufficient relief, and symptoms persist, surgical repair may be recommended as a more definitive solution.

In tennis, wrist injuries are frequently caused by a combination of overuse, incorrect technique, and poor equipment choices. Excessive wrist movement during strokes significantly increases the risk of injury.

Preventing wrist injuries in tennis is crucial and begins with proper racket grip size and hitting technique. If pain occurs, immediate evaluation by a specialized orthopedic doctor is essential for effective treatment.