Tennis Wrist Pain

Common Tennis-Related Wrist Injuries

Tennis wrist injuries can affect players of all levels. Some of the most frequent include:

• Tendon injuries
• Wrist fractures
• Stress fractures
• Wrist sprains/strains
• Dorsal Carpal Ganglion Cyst
• De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
• Ligament tears

These conditions may affect the upper extremities beyond just the wrist, sometimes involving the forearm, elbow, and supporting muscle groups.

For detailed care in cases of wrist sport injury, Georgia Hand, Shoulder & Elbow offers specialized diagnosis and treatment options.

What Are the Main Causes of Wrist Injuries Among Tennis Players?

Several factors contribute to injuries in tennis players, including:

• Grip technique: The eastern forehand grip, semi-western grip, and other different grips can alter how force is transmitted through the wrist joint. For example, radial-sided wrist injuries are more commonly associated with the Eastern grip, whereas injuries on the ulnar side (often involving the ulnar styloid or flexor carpi ulnaris) are more frequently linked to the Semi-western or Western grip.
• Grip size: Incorrect grip size can increase strain on tendons and ligaments.
• Stroke mechanics: Poor kinetic chain use, overuse of the dominant or non-dominant hand, or excessive ulnar deviation during a swing can all increase risk.
• Equipment choices: String tension, natural gut vs. synthetic strings, and racket weight affect impact load.
• Playing frequency: Elite tennis players often hit more balls, but even amateur players can be affected by overuse. Repetitive load delivered during forehand swings can place stress on the ulnocarpal joint, affecting the extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) tendon, the triangular fibrocartilage complex.

What Symptoms Indicate a Possible Wrist Injury?

Not all wrist pain signals a serious injury, but certain warning signs may suggest a more significant issue:

• Persistent pain during or after tennis play
• Swelling
• Clicking or catching sensation in the wrist joint
• Weak grip strength
• Tenderness where the tendons run near the wrist, especially near the ECU or flexor carpi ulnaris
• Pain or tenderness on the ulnar (pinkie) side of the wrist
• Pain when gripping a tennis ball tightly

If symptoms persist beyond a few days, it’s wise to seek evaluation from a sports medicine specialist.

Diagnosing Pain in Your Wrist

Diagnosing wrist injuries in tennis players often begins with a physical examination and medical history. Your provider may assess the anatomic location of pain, check wrist range of motion, evaluate for instability at the distal radioulnar joint, and test grip strength.

Advanced imaging, such as MRI, dynamic ultrasound, or other specialized scans, can be used to identify injuries like TFCC tears, ECU tendonitis, or ulnar variance–related conditions. In some cases, narrow tunnels in the wrist may compress structures, requiring more targeted assessment.

How is a Wrist Injury Treated?

Treatment approaches vary depending on the type and severity of injury:

• Rest and activity modification: Reducing play to allow healing.
• Physical therapy: To improve mobility, strengthen supporting muscles, and restore kinetic chain efficiency.
• Bracing or taping: Stabilizing the wrist joint during recovery.
• Medication or injections: For inflammation control.
• Surgical options: Procedures include surgical repair of the ligaments or tendons or procedures that release the median nerve. Other procedures include arthroscopic debridement and the arthroscopic wafer procedure. In some cases, upper extremity surgery is considered when conservative care is not effective. Treatments may also involve expertise in musculoskeletal medicine to address complex injuries in tennis players.

How Can I Prevent a Wrist Injury While Playing Tennis?

While not all tennis injuries are avoidable, you can reduce your risk by:

• Using the correct grip size for your racket
• Warming up properly before tennis play
• Practicing good stroke mechanics to avoid overuse of the wrist joint
• Strengthening forearm muscles to better handle the load delivered during rallies
• Choosing the right equipment, including strings, tension, and racket weight, that suits your style
• Varying your grip and shots to avoid repetitive strain on one anatomic location

Recreational tennis players and nonprofessional tennis players should be especially mindful of overuse patterns, as they may not have the same physical conditioning as elite tennis players.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Tennis Wrist Pain

If pain is interfering with your game, daily activities, or continues despite rest, seeking an evaluation from a sports medicine professional is important. Some wrist injuries in tennis require more than rest and may benefit from interventions like physical medicine, surgical repair, or targeted physical therapy.

Tennis is meant to be enjoyed, not endured. By paying attention to early symptoms, practicing good technique, and working with experienced medical professionals, you can help protect your wrists and keep playing tennis for years to come. Whether it’s diagnosing ulnar wrist pain, addressing radial-sided wrist injuries, or managing ECU tendonitis, proactive care can make all the difference.

Your Next Step Toward Pain-Free Tennis

If you’re dealing with tennis wrist pain, don’t wait until it sidelines you completely. At Georgia Hand, Shoulder & Elbow, our team provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for hand and wrist injuries in tennis players of all levels. From nonoperative care to advanced surgical options, we offer solutions tailored to your needs. 

Schedule an appointment today at our Marietta or Atlanta, GA, locations and take the first step toward protecting your game and your wrists.