Keeping Pain Out of Your Game: Common Tennis Injuries

Tennis injuries are all too common among enthusiasts of the game. All ages, fitness levels and even athletes at the top of their game experience the pain and side effects once they become injured on the court. 

Let’s look at some common tennis injuries and how you can care for, prevent and treat them:

Common Tennis Injuries And Treatment Options

1. Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that causes pain on the outside of the elbow. It is most often seen in people who play tennis or other racquet sports, but it can also occur in those who participate in other activities that require repetitive arm movements. Tennis elbow is caused by overuse of the muscles and tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle, the bony bump on the outside of the elbow. Treatment for tennis elbow typically includes rest, ice, and non-inflammatory medication. In some cases, physical therapy or corticosteroid injections may also be recommended. Surgery is rarely necessary and with proper treatment, most people who encounter a tennis elbow injury experience a significant reduction in pain within a few months.

2. Rotator Cuff Injury

Shoulder pain is often a part of playing tennis. But you should pay close attention to your shoulder pain, in the event it is a rotator cuff injury or tear. A rotator cuff injury can occur if you fall on an outstretched arm, lift something heavy, or perform a repetitive motion over time. Symptoms of a rotator cuff injury include pain, weakness, and a decrease in range of motion. Shoulder tendon pain treatment include rest, ice, physical therapy, or surgery. Surgery is usually only recommended for severe cases. Most people with a rotator cuff injury will eventually make a full recovery with non-surgical treatment. However, the road to recovery can be long and difficult. If you have a rotator cuff injury, be sure to follow your orthopaedic doctor’s instructions and be patient as you heal.

3. Knee Pain

As an enthusiastic tennis player, you’re all too familiar with the many aches and pains that come with the sport. But there’s one type of dreaded pain: tennis knee. Tennis knee is a common overuse injury that can sideline even the most dedicated player. Tennis players may encounter strains, tears of the ligament or cartilage, jumper’s knee or patellar tendonitis, patellofemoral pain syndrome or knee bursitis. Treatment options range from rest and medication to surgery depending on the severity of injury. Be sure to warm up and cool down, utilise proper techniques and wear the right tennis shoes.

4. Ankle and Foot Pain

One of the most common injuries in tennis is ankle and foot injuries. This is because of the sudden stop-and-start motion of the game, as well as the quick changes in direction. Some of the ankle and foot injuries you may be prone to include achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and ankle sprains. Treatment is again dependent on the condition of the injury and a foot and ankle specialist can advise further. The best way to avoid ankle and foot injuries is to warm up properly, be mindful of your footwork and to wear shoes that offer good support. 

Preventing Tennis Injuries

To avoid injury, it is important to take some basic precautions. First, be sure to warm up and stretch before playing to loosen your muscles and prepare your body for the rigours of the game. Second, use proper technique whenever you’re on the tennis court. Be sure to maintain good form and follow through with your swings to avoid putting undue stress on your body. Finally, listen to your body and take breaks as needed. If you feel pain or fatigue at any point, it is important to take a break and rest. Take precaution so you can prevent tennis injuries and enjoy the game for years to come.

Seek Tennis Injury Treatment

When you encounter pain or injury during tennis, it is recommended to visit an orthopaedic or sports injury doctor so that you can get the right treatment at the right time. Dr Gowreeson Thevendran is an experienced orthopaedic surgeon and foot and ankle specialist in Singapore. Book an appointment with OrthofootMD today and keep playing the game you love!