Have you felt a nagging pain on the outside of your elbow after an intense padel match? You're not alone. Padel elbow (a form of lateral epicondylitis) is one of the most common injuries in the sport. But don't worry – with the right equipment and technique, you can both alleviate the discomfort and get back on court faster.
In this post, we'll delve into what padel elbow actually is, why it occurs, and which products will help you play pain-free.
What is Padel Elbow?
Padel elbow arises when the tendon attachments on the outside of the elbow become overloaded. This is often due to repetitive movements, the strong vibrations from the racket upon ball impact, and sometimes incorrect technique (especially in the backhand stroke).
Common symptoms:
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Pain on the outside of the elbow radiating down the forearm.
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Weakness in grip (difficulty holding the racket firmly).
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Stiffness and tenderness, especially in the morning or immediately after play.
3 Ways to Prevent and Treat Padel Elbow
1. Use the Right Support
One of the most effective ways to reduce strain on the tendon attachment is to use a dedicated support. By applying gentle pressure on the forearm muscles, the point of strain is shifted away from the inflamed attachment.
At Sport of Padel, you'll find high-quality supports in our Wear&Go collection. Our elbow supports are designed to provide both compression and warmth, which increases blood circulation and speeds up healing while providing stability during play.
2. Reduce Racket Vibrations
Vibrations are your elbow's worst enemy. If you play with a racket that's too stiff or has a worn-out overgrip, the shocks from each ball impact are sent straight up your arm.
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Change your overgrip often: A fresh and tacky overgrip means you don't have to grip the racket as tightly, relieving pressure on your forearm.
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Vibration dampeners: Consider adding accessories that dampen vibrations directly in the frame or under the grip.
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Choose the right core: Already experiencing discomfort? Opt for a racket with a softer core (e.g., FOAM or soft EVA) which absorbs impact better than stiff carbon fiber rackets.
3. Strengthen and Stretch
Preventative training is key. Simple exercises with resistance bands or light weights to strengthen your forearm muscles make a big difference. Don't forget to stretch your forearm both before and after your session to keep your tendons flexible.
Your Checklist for Pain-Free Padel:
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Warm up properly: 5–10 minutes of wrist and elbow mobility before starting your match.
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Review your technique: Take a lesson with a coach to ensure you're not "flicking" your wrist on your backhand.
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Invest in protection: Don't wait until the pain is severe. A good elbow support works excellent for prevention.
Are you suffering from padel elbow today? Take a break from playing, do your rehab exercises, and make sure your equipment is working with you, not against you.
Check out our full range of supports and protection here: Wear&Go at Sport of Padel.