Lateral epicondylitis, the correct name for this disorder, is nothing more than an inflammation of the tendons of the extensor muscles of the forearm, which allow you to lift your hand and wrist.
It is a very common disorder among padel players, especially amateurs, but it also affects other categories of athletes.
The main cause is excessive and prolonged stimulation of the tendons usually due to repeated and intense movements of the forearm or wrist with the palm of the hand facing downwards, such as those used by tennis players.
Epicondylitis is the result of vibrations that are transmitted to the arm at each impact with the ball, and is attributable to two factors: incorrect technique and the use of an unsuitable type of racket. The first problem can be solved with the help of a teacher, who can help you "clean" certain movements, while for the second, a little more attention may be enough during the purchase phase, to identify the right frame in terms of weight, balance and rubber inside.
Here are some tips for choosing the right racket, with the recommendation to change it with the right frequency. A racket that is too worn, in fact, no longer guarantees certain standards, ending up transmitting much more vibrations to the arm.
WEIGHT
One of the main aspects that a racket must have is the ability to absorb the vibrations generated by the impact with the ball that are inevitably transferred to the arm. The more they are absorbed, the lower the risk of injury.
Generally, a racket with an excessively low weight may not be able to absorb vibrations properly, so in the long run it can become a problem. Like a particularly heavy racket, in fact, the weight reduces handling and can lead, consequently, the player to execute shots with an incorrect technique.
Therefore, the recommendation is to opt for rackets with a medium or medium/low weight, between 355g and 370g.
BALANCE
Another aspect to take into consideration is the balance of the racket, which also determines its shape: round, drop-shaped (or teardrop) or diamond-shaped.
The ideal are rackets with a medium balance, therefore drop-shaped (or teardrop-shaped). These guarantee excellent handling and require less effort from the arm, unlike diamond-shaped rackets (for professionals or advanced players) which have the weight in the head, which requires greater effort to manage them and this can cause unnecessary extension of the tendons of the arm, and can generate the first inflammations.
RUBBER IN THE CORE
The rubber in the core is the component that determines the hardness of a racket: a softer rubber tends to have an elastic effect on the ball, while a harder rubber will ensure that the racket does not cushion the ball too much, transmitting a greater quantity of vibrations to the arm and forcing the player to make a greater effort to hit at certain speeds.
For all these factors, a player at risk of epicondylitis should aim for a soft or at most intermediate rubber, capable of absorbing vibrations well and not requiring too much effort from the hitter.
Therefore, soft EVA rubber is ideal if you are talking about a racket with more quality, or simple Foam for less professional rackets.
In addition to paying particular attention to the racket, to prevent epicondylitis it is important that athletes train the muscles of the arm and forearm, in order to stabilize the elbow joint. There are simple exercises, such as squeezing a tennis ball with your hands or activities with dumbbells, which strengthen and tone the muscles and joints. You can ask your athletic trainer or sports doctor for specific instructions.
Another fundamental aspect for prevention is the playing technique. Very often this disorder is caused by incorrect gestures, which do not allow to absorb shocks and continuous and repeated stimulation. Perfecting your technique is a must, both for professionals and beginners.
PADEL RACKETS TO AVOID EPICONDYLITIS:
