Wrist pain while turning your wrist in tennis is commonly caused by tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis. Improper technique or poor conditioning increases your risk of these complications while playing tennis. If you have pain that doesn't disappear after resting and icing your wrist, consult with your doctor.
Causes
Tennis elbow is often caused by an improper backhand stroke, as well as other activities involving the wrist. Tennis elbow results from repeated contractions of the forearm muscle, used to straighten and raise your wrist and hand. The muscle becomes inflamed and small tears may be present. The carpal tunnel is the area in your wrist where the nerve enters, so if this tunnel becomes inflamed, it may result in a pinched nerve. The inflammation from carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by repetitive motions of the wrist and hand. Tendinitis can occur if you don't stretch or strengthen your forearm before playing tennis.
Identification
Tennis elbow causes pain from your elbow to your wrist, which is accompanied by weakness. Carpal tunnel syndrome causes wrist pain, a weak grip, and numbness. Tendinitis often has a dull aching pain at the site of the tendon and surrounding areas. All three conditions make wrist rotation uncomfortable.
Diagnosis
A doctor can usually diagnose all three complications with a physical examination. If more extensive tests are required, an x-ray may be conducted to rule out a fracture or arthritis, or an EMG may be done to diagnose a pinched nerve. For carpal tunnel syndrome, a doctor will have you perform the Phalen's test, which includes bending your wrist forward for 60 seconds to see if numbness, tingling or weakness occurs. Tapping the median nerve at your wrist may also cause shooting pain to radiate from your wrist to your hand.
Treatment
Tennis elbow is treated by resting, icing, compressing and elevating your forearm. You may need to wear a brace while recovering from tennis elbow. If symptoms continue after a year, surgery is an option. To treat carpal tunnel syndrome, wear a splint. If symptoms do not improve after wearing a splint, surgery is used to cut the ligament pressing on your nerve. Tendinitis is typically treated by resting and icing the tendon, but in worst-case scenarios, surgery or physical therapy may be needed. An over-the-counter anti-inflammatory can alleviate pain from all conditions. To prevent tennis elbow or carpal tunnel syndrome from returning, learn proper tennis technique or start using a two-handed backhand. Always stretch your forearm before playing tennis to avoid tendinitis.
