Did you know that tennis dates back to the 12th century? More specifically, it’s believed to have originated from a French handball game called, “Paume.”
And like all sports, it comes with a number of health benefits. For one thing, it can improve your muscle tone, flexibility, and strength. Not only that, but it can boost your mood and self-esteem.
Keep in mind, however, that injuries can happen. In fact, they’re more common than you think.
Want to know what some of the most common tennis injuries are? If so, be sure to read the rest of the post!
4 of the Most Common Tennis Injuries
Tennis might not be as high-impact as some other sports but it can still cause injuries. Here are some of the most common ones.
1. Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is a painful condition in which the outside of the elbow becomes inflamed. Also known as lateral epicondylitis, it is usually caused by repetitive motions of the arm and wrist.
As far as the pain goes, it will usually radiate from the outside of the elbow into your forearm. The good news is that it will usually get better on its own. In some cases, however, physical therapy or surgery may be necessary.
2. Patellar Tendonitis
Patellar tendonitis aka jumper’s knee is an injury to the tendon that connects your kneecap to your shinbone. Aside from pain, there may also be swelling and a burning sensation in the knee.
Left untreated, the pain can become progressively worse. That’s why it’s so important to seek medical help early—you don’t want to wait around before seeing the doctor.
In terms of treatment, there are over-the-counter medications that you can take for the pain. In some cases, your doctor may also prescribe corticosteroid injections.
3. Rotator Cuff Tears
A rotator cuff tear is a common injury that occurs in sports such as tennis and baseball. Basically, what happens is that the tendon tears away from the bone.
Aside from pain, there may be a weakness in the arm and a crackling sensation when you move your shoulders.
Treatment options include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), physical therapy, strengthening exercises, and steroid injections.
4. Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains are fairly common in fast-paced games such as tennis. That is, sudden sideway movements can easily cause the ankle to twist inward, which can damage the ligaments.
Fortunately, they tend to heal fairly quickly. As far as self-care goes, the R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compression, elevation) method works the best. CBD oil can also help, according to experts.
Treating Tennis Injuries
And there we have it—four of the most common tennis injuries. If anything, the most important thing is to have the right gear and proper technique; it’ll prevent you from hurting yourself.
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