Epicondylitis is an inflammation of the epicondylar tendons, which connect the forearm and hand to the outside of the elbow. This injury causes sharp pain in the elbow area, especially when performing movements such as closing the hand or grasping objects. Epicondylitis usually occurs when strokes are made with improper technique, especially in strokes such as backhand or backhand.
In addition, another factor that contributes to the appearance of this injury is the type of paddle you use. Choosing the right paddle is key to preventing and treating epicondylitis. Here are some tips on how to choose the right racket for you.
One of the main functions of the paddle is to absorb the vibrations that occur when you hit the ball. If you choose a racket that is too light, it may not absorb these vibrations well, which could affect your elbow. On the other hand, an excessively heavy racket can make it difficult to move and execute your shots correctly, which can also lead to elbow problems due to poor technique.
The general recommendation is to opt for blades with an intermediate or low-intermediate weight. In practical terms, it is not advisable to use a racket that weighs more than 370 grams or less than 355 grams if you suffer from epicondylitis.
The balance of the racket, which is the weight distribution, is closely related to the total weight of the racket. If you suffer from epicondylitis, the ideal is to look for a manageable racket that allows you to perform the strokes correctly. In this sense, it is best to opt for blades with a balance towards the fist or intermediate balance, as they will offer you greater control and maneuverability, reducing the load on the arm.
Blades with a high balance, which are more concentrated in the head, often cause unnecessary extension movements in the elbow tendons, which can contribute to the onset or worsening of epicondylitis.
The rubber of the paddle influences the hardness of the paddle and therefore the amount of vibrations transmitted to the arm. If you choose a hard rubber, the paddle will not dampen the ball well, which will increase the vibrations and the impact on the elbow. In addition, a hard rubber tends to offer a lower ball output, which forces you to put more effort into each shot. This extra effort can affect your technique, which increases the chances of suffering from epicondylitis or not being able to recover from it.
Therefore, the ideal is to choose blades with soft or intermediate rubbers. Foam (polyethylene) or EVA Soft rubbers are the best options to reduce vibrations and make the game more comfortable and safe for the elbow.
We hope these tips will help you prevent epicondylitis or recover from it if you already suffer from it. If you have any questions or want more information on how to choose the right paddle, feel free to leave a comment, and we will be happy to help you.
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