Padel Injuries

Padel Injuries to the Hand and Wrist: Diagnosis, Treatment & Recovery in NYC

Padel, the fast-growing racquet sport combining elements of tennis and squash. As more and more New Yorkers take up the sport, there’s going to be an uptick in related injuries, particularly to the hand and wrist, due to the sport’s fast-paced, high-impact nature.

How do we know? We’re seeing more racquet sport athletes come through our doors than ever before.

At HandSport Surgery Institute (HSSI), Drs. Mark and Jason Pruzansky specialize in the expert evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of padel-related hand and wrist injuries. With decades of experience in treating athletes and active patients in NYC, they offer a high level of specialized care designed to get you back on the court safely and confidently.

Why Padel Players Are Prone to Hand and Wrist Injuries

Padel places unique biomechanical demands on the upper extremities:

Compact swings in confined spaces require quick, repetitive wrist movements.
Off-center ball impacts send shock through the racquet and into the hand.
Power shots and overhead smashes can stress tendons and ligaments.
Falls or awkward bracing motions frequently lead to fractures or sprains.

Even recreational players are susceptible to injuries due to improper technique, poorly fitted equipment, or fatigue.

Common Hand and Wrist Injuries in Padel

There are several injuries we commonly treat in Padel players at HSSI:

1. Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

Despite the name, this condition often affects padel players due to repeated extension of the wrist and forearm.

Symptoms: Pain on the outside of the elbow, radiating down the forearm, grip weakness.
Treatment: Rest, bracing, physical therapy, steroid, and or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections; occasionally, surgery may be needed.

2. TFCC Injuries (Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex)

Frequent rotational forces and wrist extension put the TFCC at risk—especially with improper racquet mechanics.

Symptoms: Pain on the ulnar side of the wrist, clicking, loss of grip strength.
Treatment: Bracing, injections, physical therapy, and in more advanced cases, arthroscopic repair.

3. Hook of Hamate Fractures

A powerful hit off the racquet’s edge can transmit force into the palm, fracturing the hook of the hamate.

Symptoms: Pain at the base of the palm, reduced grip strength, tingling in the ring and pinky fingers.
Treatment: Often requires surgical excision of the fractured bone for pain-free function.

4. ECU Tendon Subluxation or Tear

Abrupt changes in racquet position or intense topspin strokes can displace or injure the extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) tendon.

Symptoms: Pain and snapping on the pinky side of the wrist.
Treatment: Splinting or surgical repair of the ECU subsheath.

5. UCL Injuries

Forceful thumb extension or awkward falls can tear the ulnar collateral ligament at the base of the thumb.

Symptoms: Swelling, pain, and instability when gripping the racquet.
Treatment: Mild cases may heal with splinting; complete tears often require surgical repair.

6. Wrist Tendinitis

Chronic overuse and vibration from racquet impact can cause inflammation of the wrist tendons.

Symptoms: Aching pain with motion, stiffness, and sometimes swelling.
Treatment: Activity modification, physical therapy, anti-inflammatories, and ergonomic grip adjustments.

Diagnosing Padel-Related Hand and Wrist Injuries

At HSSI, our diagnostic process is meticulous and comprehensive:

Detailed clinical exam to test strength, range of motion, and instability.
Imaging such as digital X-rays, high-resolution ultrasound, or advanced MRI to visualize subtle fractures, soft tissue tears, or nerve compression.
Functional analysis of racquet grip, technique, and training load, when relevant.

Drs. Pruzansky understand that early and accurate diagnosis is critical to prevent further damage and speed recovery.

Personalized Treatment Options at HSSI

Treatment plans at HandSport Surgery Institute are tailored to each athlete’s injury, lifestyle, and goals. Options include:

Conservative Approaches

Immobilization with custom splints or braces
Physical therapy and strengthening regimens
Cortisone or biologic injections (such as PRP) for inflammation
Racquet grip modification and technique counseling

Surgical Solutions

When nonoperative treatments are insufficient, the Pruzanskys use advanced minimally invasive and arthroscopic techniques to repair soft tissue and bone injuries with minimal disruption to surrounding anatomy.

Examples include:

Arthroscopic TFCC repair
ECU subsheath reconstruction
UCL ligament repair of the thumb
Excision of fractured hook of hamate
Tendon stabilization or reconstruction

Rehabilitation and Return to Play

Recovery doesn’t end in the operating room. Our integrated care model includes:

Partner-led physical therapy
Progressive loading plans to restore full motion and strength
Grip analysis and swing mechanics review to prevent recurrence
Return-to-sport protocols developed for padel players specifically

Our goal is to not only help you recover quickly but ensure that you do so with maximum function.

Why Choose HandSport Surgery Institute?

When it comes to specialized care for hand and wrist injuries in NYC, experience and outcomes matter.

Leaders in Hand and Wrist Surgery: Drs. Mark and Jason Pruzansky are among the top specialists in the country, trusted by elite athletes and active professionals alike.
Convenient Upper East Side Location: Easily accessible for padel players living or working in Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Advanced Diagnostics and Surgical Techniques: Including minimally invasive surgery, arthroscopy, and biologic therapies.
Patient-Centered Care: Each treatment plan is tailored to your lifestyle, sport, and long-term goals.

Book a Consultation Today

If you’re experiencing pain, weakness, or instability in your hand or wrist—don’t wait. Early diagnosis and expert care from HSSI can help you avoid chronic damage and return to the game you love. Call us or use our online appointment form to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mark or Dr. Jason Pruzansky today.