In a game of tennis, you've got to be quick on your feet. But those feet and your legs aren't the only parts of your body that can take a beating during this fast-paced, high-impact sport. The wrist joint and supportive tendons are quite delicate, but they deliver the high-impact blows of the game. Wrist injuries and wrist pain are common as you swing your racquet and make impact with a ball moving at high speeds.
Injuries From Tennis
Playing tennis frequently or being a long-time tennis player can cause injuries to your wrists. Tennis requires repetitive motions of the wrist, which can result in overuse injuries. Carpal tunnel syndrome can result from swelling caused by the repetitive wrist motions of tennis. And, the United States Tennis Association notes that sprains of the ligaments, cartilage tears and stress fractures are also common tennis injuries that can cause painful or sore wrists. Bursitis, tendinitis, sprains and strains can also cause sore wrists from tennis.
Wrist Conditions
Other wrist conditions may be aggravated by playing tennis. Gout and pseudogout can cause wrist pain. Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and psoriatic arthritis are other conditions that can cause pain and irritation in the wrists. Women who are pregnant or menopausal, people who are overweight and people who are diabetic are at an increased risk of swelling in the wrist and carpal tunnel syndrome, which can aggravate the wrists during tennis or other repetitive motions.
Tennis Technique
Improper technique, from your grip to your swing, can result in sore wrists after playing tennis. An extreme grip can put the wrist and arm under additional strain, increasing the risk of injury. If your arm muscles aren't fit or strong enough, that adds strain on the wrist and can make it more susceptible to injury as the muscles can't provide enough support.
Coping With a Sore Wrist
Strengthening exercises for your wrist and arm muscles can help improve flexibility and protect the wrist from injury, as can a few lessons to make sure that your grip and swing are correct. Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, can help to alleviate swelling, stiffness and pain in the joints and manage osteoarthritis. When wrist pain strikes, MedlinePlus recommends wearing a splint on the sore wrist and icing the wrist to alleviate pain and swelling.
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