It does not require a great physical preparation, but it does require a previous warming up of the muscles. Dr. Angel Bigas, member of Top Doctors and specialist in sports medicine explains the possible injuries that can trigger the Paddle and how to avoid them.
Padel is a sport practiced by more and more people. The number of indoor paddle courts has increased with this and the practitioners of this sport include all ages. Muscle stretching, before and after physical activity, and hydration during the game are very important to prevent possible injuries. The most frequent injuries are tendon, muscle and joint injuries.
The constant repetition of movements with the upper extremities causes the tendons of the arm to be the most affected, with shoulder and elbow tendonitis, called epicondylitis or tennis elbow, being the most suffered. This is due to overuse of these joints and early rehabilitation treatments are usually prescribed, since, in the case of epicondylitis, it can become a chronic disease. Tendonitis can also occur in knees, wrists or feet.
Although it is rare, says Dr. Bigas, an expert in injury diagnosis and traumatology, one of the most serious injuries is shoulder dislocation, which is when the humerus comes out of its joint cavity and can happen because of a smash or a high shot. These two movements, together with the explosive and repetitive exercises typical of this sport, can also cause back pain. The player may even develop lumbago if he/she adopts a bad posture while playing.
Rapid changes of position and continuous jumping can also damage legs and feet. Knee sprains, produced by sudden turns that affect the lateral and cruciate ligaments, are common. Another injury that can appear in the knees is chondromalacia patellae, wear and tear of the lower cartilage of the kneecap due to continuous friction between the femur and the patella. The most frequent muscle injuries are muscle strains and tears in calves and legs.
Plantar fasciitis, i.e., inflammation of the tissue covering the sole of the foot down to the heel, and heel spurs are the most common foot problems.