Padel is a racket sport that is growing rapidly in popularity due to its fun gameplay and accessibility for all age groups. Although it may appear less demanding, the fast movements, repetitive swings, and sudden directional changes in padel can place excessive stress on muscles and joints. Without proper technique and good physical conditioning, the risk of injury can significantly increase.
There are several types of padel injuries that both beginner and experienced players should be aware of. From tendinitis caused by repetitive muscle use, tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis), to wrist sprains, these injuries can interfere with performance and daily activities if not treated properly.
If you experience any of these injuries, you can visit Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital, where we have a team of experienced doctors who specialize in treating padel-related injuries.
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Types of Padel Injuries to Watch Out For
Below are several common padel injuries you should be aware of:
1. Tendinitis
Tendinitis is inflammation of the thick, fibrous tissue that connects muscle to bone, known as the tendon. This condition typically causes pain and tenderness, especially when pressure is applied around the affected joint.
Tendinitis can occur in any tendon but most commonly affects the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and heels. Most cases can be managed with rest, physical therapy, and pain-relieving medications. However, if inflammation persists over time, the tendon may tear and, in certain cases, require surgical intervention.
2. Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition caused by overuse of the elbow. As the name suggests, it commonly affects tennis players and other racket sport athletes, but it can also occur in individuals who perform repetitive hand and arm movements.
This condition results from small tears or degeneration in the tendons that connect the forearm muscles to the outer part of the elbow. Repetitive motions can cause muscle fatigue and tendon strain, leading to pain and discomfort on the outside of the elbow.
Treatment for tennis elbow varies and usually involves a multidisciplinary medical team, including doctors, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists. In certain cases, surgery may be considered if conservative treatments fail to provide optimal results.
3. Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
Golfer’s elbow is a condition that causes pain on the inner side of the elbow, where the forearm muscle tendons attach to the bone. The pain may radiate down to the forearm and wrist.
This injury is similar to tennis elbow, but the pain is located on the inside of the elbow. Although often associated with golf, this condition can also affect tennis players or anyone who frequently uses their wrists and fingers repetitively.
With adequate rest and proper treatment, golfer’s elbow generally heals well, allowing patients to return to normal activities.
4. Wrist Sprain
A wrist sprain is an injury to the ligaments and joint capsule surrounding the wrist joint. It usually occurs due to impact or trauma, such as falling onto an outstretched hand. However, wrist sprains can also result from repetitive wrist use, as seen in racket sport athletes.
Common symptoms include pain, tenderness to touch, swelling, and stiffness in the wrist. Pain often worsens when the wrist is moved, used to grip heavy objects, or during twisting motions.
5. Shoulder Dislocation
A shoulder dislocation occurs when the upper arm bone comes out of the shoulder socket. The shoulder is the most flexible joint in the human body, making it more susceptible to dislocation.
If you suspect a shoulder dislocation, seek immediate medical attention. Most patients can regain normal shoulder function within a few weeks. However, once a shoulder has been dislocated, it has a higher risk of recurring dislocations in the future.
Padel Injury Specialist at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital: dr. Jecky
To treat padel injuries affecting the upper extremities (upper limbs), Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital is supported by an experienced specialist: dr. Jecky Chandra, M.Kes, Sp.OT(K), CIPS, AIFO-K.
Not only is he highly skilled, but he has also treated numerous patients with padel-related injuries.
dr. Jecky is a consultant orthopedic and traumatology specialist with advanced expertise in treating conditions involving the fingers, hands, elbows, and shoulders. He is experienced in performing finger reattachment surgeries for severe traumatic amputations, as well as managing congenital conditions such as syndactyly and polydactyly.
These procedures are performed using microsurgical techniques, which require a high level of precision and specialized skills to restore optimal tissue structure and function.
dr. Jecky completed his medical education at the Faculty of Medicine, Hasanuddin University, Makassar. He then earned a Master of Health degree (M.Kes) from the Postgraduate Program at Hasanuddin University and completed his Orthopedic and Traumatology Specialist training at the same institution.
To further enhance his clinical expertise, dr. Jecky has participated in various advanced training programs, including the Comprehensive Course in Musculoskeletal Pain Intervention and Regeneration at Precursor, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung. He has also passed the National Certification Examination in Sports Physiology, earning the title AIFO-K (Clinical Sports Physiology Expert).
In addition, dr. Jecky completed his sub-specialty (consultant) training in Hand, Upper Limb, and Microsurgery at RSUD dr. Soetomo in collaboration with Airlangga University, Surabaya. His expertise is further strengthened by an international certification from the World Institute of Pain (WIP) as a Certified Interventional Pain Sonologist (CIPS), obtained in Budapest, Hungary.
dr. Jecky’s Practice Schedule at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital
dr. Jecky Chandra, M.Kes, Sp.OT(K), CIPS, AIFO-K is available at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital on the following schedule:
- Monday: 08:00 – 12:00
- Tuesday: 08:00 – 12:00
- Wednesday: 13:00 – 17:00
- Thursday: 13:00 – 17:00
- Friday: 08:00 – 12:00
- Saturday: 17:00 – 20:00
To make your visit more convenient, you may use the WhatsApp Chat feature, Book Appointment, or the Care Dokter application, available for download on Google Play and the App Store, to schedule visits, check queue numbers, and access complete medical information.
