Padel is an energetic and fast sport that is gaining popularity due to its accessibility and the fun it offers. However, as with any sport, there is a risk of injury, especially due to the intense and repetitive movements that players perform. In this blog, we will discuss the most common padel injuries and give advice on how to prevent them.
Tennis elbow
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a condition in which the tendons that connect the forearm muscles to the outside of the elbow become inflamed. This inflammation is often caused by repetitive movements of the wrist and arm, such as hitting a padel ball. Despite its name, tennis elbow does not only affect tennis players; padel players are also at significant risk.
Padel rackets vary greatly in their properties, including how friendly they are to the arm. A hard padel racket causes more vibrations and shocks in the arm, which can increase the risk of tennis elbow. Rackets with a softer core, on the other hand, absorb vibrations better and offer more comfort, which helps to reduce the strain on the arm. Check out some of our arm-friendly padel rackets here.
Siux Fenix II Tecnifibre Wall Master 360 Dunlop Aero Star Lite
Ankle sprains
An ankle sprain is a common injury in padel, where the ligaments around the ankle can become overloaded or even torn. This often happens due to sudden twisting movements, jumps or wrong landings where the ankle turns inwards or outwards. To prevent an ankle sprain, it is essential to wear the right shoes. Choose padel shoes that are specially designed for this sport, with excellent cushioning and lateral support. These shoes help to absorb sudden movements and thus reduce the chance of sprains. Below are some good options for on the court.
Padel grip
The thickness of the grip also plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of tennis elbow. It is important to grip your racket firmly, but avoid squeezing too hard, as this can cause unnecessary tension on the tendons in your forearm. Consider adding an extra overgrip to your padel racket to experience the difference in grip pressure. A different base grip can also help. The Hesacore Tourgrip, for example, offers better grip and stability, allowing you to relax the muscles in your hand and forearm. This reduces muscle fatigue and lowers the risk of injury.
Wilson Overgrips X Grip Shock Out Grip
