Introduction

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common injury that can afflict padel players, causing sharp pain in the elbow area and limiting wrist rotation.

This condition can significantly impact your game and dampen your enthusiasm for the sport. However, with the right padel racket selection and some essential strategies, you can alleviate the pain associated with tennis elbow and continue enjoying the game.

Below, we explore the best padel rackets specifically designed to prevent and alleviate tennis elbow, as well as provide tips to manage the condition while playing.

Related: consider checking out the 6 exercises to help you recover from padel elbow more quickly.

Understanding Epicondylitis

Epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow, is characterized by pain on the outside of the elbow, which may radiate to the forearm or upper arm.

Players with epicondylitis often experience a loss of strength, leading to difficulty in gripping objects or performing certain movements.

This condition can be caused by improper technique, a sudden increase in play frequency, heavy and/or high-balance rackets, hard racket materials that transmit vibrations, and overstraining weak muscles.

Considerations for Padel Racket Selection

When selecting a padel racket for someone with epicondylitis, specific considerations should be taken into account to minimize strain on the arm and reduce the risk of further injury.

Here are the key factors to consider:

• Soft Racket Core: Opt for padel rackets with a soft core, i.e. polyethylene foam or low-density EVA foam. A soft racket core absorbs the impact of the ball and reduces vibrations, minimizing the stress on the arm.
• Low Balance: Look for a padel racket with a low balance, meaning the weight is more concentrated towards the handle. This balance distribution enhances maneuverability and reduces the strain on the arm during swings and shots.
• Optimal Weight: Choose a padel racket that is not excessively heavy. The weight should ideally range between 355 grams and 370 grams. Lighter rackets are easier to maneuver and put less strain on the arm during swings and strokes, however, they tend to vibrate more when blocking strong shots.
• Anti-Vibration System: Select a high-quality padel racket that incorporates an effective anti-vibration system. These systems help dampen and dissipate vibrations, preventing them from reaching the player's arm and exacerbating the pain associated with epicondylitis. Several reputable padel brands offer rackets with advanced anti-vibration technologies.
• Anti-vibration accessories: some players find comfort in "after-market" vibration reduction accessories, such as vibration-reducing under grips and/or vibration dampeners for the racket face holes.

Padel Rackets for Tennis Elbow Relief

The easiest way to find soft, round rackets is by visiting our racket reviews database and filtering for Soft or Medium-Soft and Round. We are constantly adding new reviews.

The following are examples of rackets that fit the requirements above for being soft, round and/or leveraging vibration-reducing technology.

Our top pick

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The Royal Padel Whip is easily the most elbow-friendly racket we've found. The soft core and the fiberglass surface give it a very soft, comfortable touch. Moreover, its round shape makes it easy to maneuver around the court.

Our premium pick

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Momo Gonzales's SolarATTACK Momo by Puma is the only professional-level racket for this list because most professional players prefer harder rackets. This racket is well-regarded for having a great compromise of being soft, maneuverable and comfortable, while not lacking too much power on smashes or too little control on blocks of fast balls.

Our budget pick

{{racket-card="/racket-reviews/equation-world-padel-tour"}}

The Nox Equation World Padel is a forgiving and comfortable padel racket. Its round shape and low balance make it easy to maneuver, minimizing strain on the arm. The fiberglass hitting surface adds to the overall comfort and reduces vibrations transmitted to the elbow. With a carbon fiber frame, this racket offers stability and durability. It is an ideal choice for players seeking a balance between control and comfort. Its performance in Testea's test on Durability made it famous for its durability despite its softness. It has silicon inserts on the side of the frame to reduce vibrations.

Our performance pick

{{racket-card="/racket-reviews/ml10-pro-cup-luxury"}}

The Nox ML10 Pro Cup Luxury 2023 is a premium padel racket known for its advanced shock absorption technology and softer hitting feel. It features a highly responsive carbon frame and HR3 Core+ foam, which effectively absorbs vibrations and provides exceptional comfort. This racket offers a perfect blend of power, control, and comfort, making it suitable for players with tennis elbow seeking a high-performance option.

Our versatile pick

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With its mix of fiberglass and carbon fiber in the surface, the Astrum Eris is a versatile, tolerant, round-shaped racket. It will work well all-around around the court.

It soft core results in a comfortable touch and high ball output that we are looking for in a racket that is easy on our elbow.

Note the weight variance of Starvie rackets, so aim for one on the lower end if possible.

Tips for Preventing Tennis Elbow

In addition to using the right padel racket, implementing preventive measures can help reduce the risk of tennis elbow:

• Manage Playing Frequency and Rest Periods: Avoid overplaying or engaging in long sessions without proper rest. Allow sufficient time for recovery and muscle repair to prevent overuse injuries like tennis elbow.
• Improve Technique and Seek Professional Guidance: Ensure you are using proper technique during swings and strokes. Seek guidance from a qualified padel coach who can help you refine your technique, reducing unnecessary strain on the arm.
• Ensure Proper Grip Size: Using the correct grip size is crucial for hand comfort and minimizing strain on the arm. You should have enough space for one finger between the base on your thumb and your index finger when wrapped around the grip.

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Conclusion

Tennis elbow can significantly impact a padel player's performance and enjoyment of the game. By selecting the right padel racket and implementing preventive measures, players with tennis elbow can find relief and continue to excel on the court.

The Royal Padel Whip Polyethylene, Puma SolarATTACK Momo, Nox Equation World Padel Tour, Nox ML10 Pro Cup Luxury 2023, and the Starvie Astrum Eris are among the best rackets for players with tennis elbow.

Remember, individual preferences may vary, so it's essential to find a racket that suits your specific needs and consult with professionals if needed.

Take care of your body, listen to its signals, and enjoy playing padel without the discomfort of tennis elbow.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not substitute professional medical advice. If you're experiencing severe or persistent pain, please consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

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Padel FYI is the Metacritic for padel rackets. To help you find the best padel racket, I have cataloged 360 reviews of 106 of the most popular padel rackets to create the most comprehensive padel racket database.

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