Common Racquetball Injuries

Racquetball is an intense sports in which a hard rubber ball flies mercilessly around a room, bouncing off walls in its velocity-induced trajectory. Needless to say, the sport produces a number of injuries. These injuries can result from a number of factors, including the trajectory of the ball, swinging racquets, collisions on the small court and the fast pace of the sport.

  1. Racquet-Inspired Injuries

    • The racquets themselves can be dangerous, particularly for those new to the sport or those who lack etiquette when it comes to racquetball. Among the more common injuries/ailments produced by racquets (whether hitting other players or oneself accidentally, or not swinging the racquet properly) include lacerations of the forehead, lip and face; contusions of the nose and area around the eye; lacerations of the eyelid; fractured/chipped teeth and other dental-related issues; contusions of the hands, knees and ankles; and fractured wrists.

    Ball-Inspired Injuries

    • Racquetballs fly at intense speeds and can cause injury. While players are recommended to wear goggles during a round of racquetball, some choose not to. Those who don't run the risk of suffering lacerations of the eyelid and eye, as well as other injuries in and around the eye, including everything from a simple black eye to a broken orbital bone. Bruising/swelling of the scalp are also possible, considering the ball's speed at point of impact.

    Court-Inspired Injuries

    • Racquetball courts are notoriously small, so two people playing feverishly can yield injuries on such a small field of play. Contusions of the hands, feet and ankles are common injuries, as are elbow injuries that result from running into the wall, falling down or colliding with another player. Perhaps the most common injuries are sprains of the ankle, toe and rotator cuff, as these can easily result from one errant swing, one tweak of the leg on a quick turn, etc.

    Other Common Injuries

    • Garden-variety ailments/injuries are bound to occur. These include scrapes/cuts of the knee as a result of falling/sliding, blisters on the feet and muscle cramps. Also, strains/sprains of the shoulder, back, and ankle are common, as is tendonitis of the elbow and patella, due to the sport's toll on the joints. Meanwhile, more severe injuries like ruptured/torn tendons and ligaments (such as in the knee or Achilles) are not uncommon.

    Safety Tips

    • While injury is to be expected from a sport such as racquetball, there are ways to help prevent/reduce the risk of injury. For instance, it is recommend that racquetball players wear protective eye gear at all times. Also, listen to your body. If the knees and other joints are experiencing pain, take some time off from the sport or consult an orthopedic specialist. Also donning ankle/knee braces and wearing comfortable footwear are ways to help alleviate pain and prevent injury.