Racquetball is an indoor sport that involves using a stringed racket similar to a tennis racket and a hollow, rubber ball. During the game, two players play against each other and leverage any playing surface, such as those in front of or beside them, to score points. Because a racket is used, the wrist is the link between the arm and the racket, increasing the likelihood an overuse injury can occur.
History
Joe Sobek is considered to be the creator of racquetball and is attributed as the first designer of the paddle-type racket utilized during the game, according to the United States Racquetball Association. The rackets were then manufactured by the NJ Magnum Co., which created 25 for Sobek, who then created the rubberized ball. The sport then grew and in 1957, the National Paddle Rackets Association formed. Today, racquetball can be played in athletic facilities, in competitive leagues and at other recreational sites.
Function
When swinging a racquetball, the wrist delivers the impact and motion necessary to propel the racquetball forward. Because racquetball is a fast-paced sport, this means the wrist must make sudden, frequent movements. This can cause tendons and ligaments of the wrist to become injured due to overuse.
Effects
Frequent or prolonged racquetball playing can potentially lead to painful symptoms. Additionally, symptoms such as aching, burning or feelings of numbness and tingling in the wrist, palm, thumb or finger, according to Medline Plus. The pain also may not solely rest in the wrist. Instead, symptoms can radiate all the way up to the elbow or through the hand.
Types
Overuse injuries or symptoms can lead to a condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome, which is a condition where swelling in the major nerve that runs through the wrist causing prolonged pain or sensitivity. While this is a common cause of wrist pain related to racquetball, it is not the only wrist injury. Wrist pain accompanied by swelling or stiffness can indicate an arthritis condition, such as osteoarthritis, which takes place due to overuse, or rheumatoid arthritis, which affects both sides of the body in the same manner. Additional wrist pain can be due to sprain, strain or even bursitis, all of which can be determined b a physician's evaluation.
Prevention/Solution
Wrist pain sufferers needn't cut racquetball out of their lives to experience relief. Instead, a person should cut back on the number of racquetball sessions per week or rest the wrists for a week or two to see if symptoms subside. Stretching the wrists via clockwise and counterclockwise circular motions and flexing the hands prior to and after a racquetball session also may help to reduce pain. A wrist brace or flexible support also may enhance wrist strength. If swelling, redness or warmth occurs at the wrist or pain does not subside with rest, a more serious injury or condition could be to blame. Seek a physician's care and assessment should this occur.
