Racquet sports (tennis, racquetball, squash,
badminton, and paddle tennis) are sports of speed and agility and involve
athletes of all ages.
As in many sports, the risk of injury increases with
age due to the style of play, contact forces, and size of athletes. However, the
risk of injuries can be reduced.
The following is information from the American
Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) about how to choose a racquet and prevent racquet
sports injuries. Also included is an overview of common injuries and
treatment.
Common injuries
Shoulder injuries
Shoulder injuries result from too many
serves or overheads in a short period. The result is that the muscle
fatigues and then doesn't function properly. Treatment consists of
strengthening the muscles that support the shoulder. Athletes are advised to
avoid the serving or overheads until the activity is pain-free.
Elbow injuries
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is not
common in children and teens. However, irritation of the growth plates in
the elbow can occur. This is often the result of a new service motion
involving topspin. Treatment consists of rest from painful activities
(hitting or throwing), ice, medicines, and stretches.
Wrist injuries
Wrist injuries often result from hitting too
late, changing grip, or ground strokes. Athletes may have pain with use and
loss of range of motion.
Treatment begins with rest, ice,
compression, and elevation (RICE). Athletes should see a doctor if their
wrists are swollen or painful the next day. X-rays may be needed.
Low back pain
Spondylolysis, stress fractures of the bones
in the lower spine, are usually the result of too many serves (particularly
topspin) or overheads in a short period. Symptoms include low back pain that
feels worse with hyperextending the spine (doing back bends). Treatment of
spondylolysis includes rest, physical therapy to improve flexibility and low
back and core (trunk) strength, and possibly a back brace. Athletes with low
back pain for longer than 2 weeks should see a doctor. X-rays are usually
normal so other tests are often needed to diagnose spondylolysis. Successful
treatment requires early recognition of the problem and timely
treatment.
Hip and groin injuries
Hip and groin injuries are common in tennis.
They usually result from quick side to side changes of direction. They can
be muscle injuries or avulsion fractures (when muscles or tendons pull away
from the bone). If the athlete is limping or hears a pop, or there is
immediate swelling, an x-ray should be done. Treatment consists of RICE
along with hip strengthening and flexibility exercises.
Heat-related illness
Many tennis athletes suffer from muscle
cramps. This may be due to fatigue and excessive sweating, which causes salt
loss and dehydration. Athletes who are dizzy, confused, or complain of a
headache are most likely suffering from heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
These athletes must be taken to a shaded area, cooled, and evaluated by
emergency medical services (call 911).
Heat-related illnesses can be prevented when
athletes are given time to get used to exercising in the heat (usually takes
1 to 2 weeks). Drinking water or a sports drink before, during, and after
training, and avoiding stimulants including caffeine, can also help.
Ankle sprains
Ankle sprains are some of the most common
injuries in racquet sports. They can prevent athletes from being able to
play. Ankle sprains often happen with quick side to side changes of
direction, causing the ankle to roll in (invert). An ankle sprain is more
likely to happen if an athlete had a previous sprain, especially a recent
one.
Treatment begins with RICE. Athletes should
see a doctor as soon as possible if they cannot walk on the injured ankle or
have severe pain. X-rays may be needed.
Regular icing (20 minutes) helps with pain
and swelling. Weight bearing and exercises to regain range of motion,
strength, and balance are key factors to getting back to sports. Tape and
ankle braces can prevent or reduce the frequency of ankle sprains. Tape and
an ankle brace can also support the ankle, enabling an athlete to return to
activity more quickly. However, athletes should not return too quickly or
more serious ankle injuries can occur.
Eye injuries
There are reported cases of retinal injury
and blindness in the eye secondary to the ball striking the eye, especially
in squash and racquetball. Any injury that affects vision or is associated
with swelling or blood inside the eye should be evaluated by an
ophthalmologist. The AAP recommends that all children involved in organized
sports wear appropriate eye protection.
Remember
Injuries from racket sports can be prevented
when fair play is encouraged and the rules of the game are enforced. Also,
athletes should use the appropriate equipment and safety guidelines should
always be followed.