Racquetball is an exciting game that provides an invigorating workout for players. It is also a game that can cause several injuries. Play is demanding and physical, and requires an enclosed area. Players must make sudden movements and quick swings of the racket that can cause contact with the opponent.
Facial Injuries
The rules of racquetball try to prevent injuries from one player swinging his racket and hitting another player. Players are supposed to call out "hinder" rather than take a chance and swing when an opponent is in range. Despite that rule, players are at risk. Players may not see their opponent and end up hitting him on the follow-through. Some players that may think they have a few inches of clearance, so they take the shot. If they have miscalculated, they can end up hitting their opponent. Most of these hits are to the head and face. Players can suffer injuries such as facial cuts, broken noses and lacerations around the eyes.
Sprained Ankle and Foot Injuries
Many players risk a sprained ankle every time they step out on the court. The game is one of movement and constant starts and stops. Players are constantly going to their right, left, up and back--and stopping after each movement. They could roll over their ankle and sprain it. Players who move at top speed and then suddenly stop when going forward or backward are at greater risk of an Achilles tendon injury.
Elbow Inflammation
Elbow inflammation, or tennis elbow, is another risk. Racquetball players can suffer a sore elbow because they are constantly using it for shots that require anything from a full arm swing to a short punching motion. Pain will start at the elbow and radiate up and down the arm. This injury could force a racquetball player to the sidelines for two weeks or more to let the elbow heal.
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