Soft-tissue injuries of the hand and wrist in racquet sports.

Participants in racquet sports are prone to a host of soft-tissue injuries to their hands and wrists owing to the direct impact of the handle as well as the repetitive stretching that occurs as the wrist is forcefully whipped into extremes of position. Tendinitis can occur in all tendons but is most common in the first dorsal compartment, flexor carpi ulnaris, flexor carpi radialis, and extensor carpi ulnaris. Ligamentous tears can produce instability patterns that, if unrecognized, can become chronic disabilities. Vessels and nerves can be compromised by repetitive blunt trauma to the structures themselves or by entrapment by surrounding structures. Prompt diagnosis will allow for the appropriate treatment and eliminate the need for vague terms such as "wrist sprain." The goal of early recognition and treatment is to allow the player to get back to the court and prevent the development of chronic discomfort or permanent impairment.