Paddle, also known as platform tennis, is a racquet sport similar to tennis and squash, typically played in doubles on an enclosed court roughly one-third the size of a tennis court. Scoring is the same as normal tennis, and the balls used are similar but with a little less pressure.
Like any other sport, paddle can cause injuries, especially if players do not warm up properly or do not use proper technique. A significant number of people have suffered injuries while playing padel, but experts say it’s not because the game is more dangerous than other sports, but because of the average age of those taking to the game who didn’t play similar sports before. Padel has opened up a whole new social exercise to people who weren’t good at sports, didn’t want to exercise, or couldn’t find a physical activity suitable for them.
Majority of padel injuries are muscle strain, tears, tendon ruptures, knee ligament injuries and dislocated shoulders.
Here are some common injuries associated with playing paddle:
- Tennis elbow: This is a repetitive strain injury that occurs when the tendons in the elbow become inflamed due to overuse. Tennis elbow is a common injury in paddle because players use their wrists and forearms extensively.
- Shoulder injuries: The overhead shots used in paddle can cause shoulder injuries, such as rotator cuff tears, bursitis, or tendonitis.
- Knee injuries: Paddle involves a lot of lateral movement and quick changes of direction, which can put stress on the knees. Knee injuries such as ligament tears, sprains, and strains are common among paddle players.
- Ankle injuries: Paddle involves a lot of sudden stops and starts, which can put stress on the ankles. Ankle sprains and strains are common among paddle players.
- Back injuries: Paddle requires a lot of twisting and turning, which can put strain on the back muscles and ligaments. Lower back pain and muscle strains are common injuries associated with playing paddle.
To prevent injuries, paddle players should warm up properly, stretch, use proper technique, maintain suppleness, wear appropriate footwear, and take breaks when needed. If an injury does occur, players should seek medical attention and follow a treatment plan to ensure a full recovery.
