Elbow injuries: what new technologies are really changing

Elbow pain remains one of the most frequent reasons for consultation among padel players. Tendinitis, epicondylitis, forearm pain… the mechanics of padel put significant strain on the elbow-wrist chain.
But in recent years, the arrival of more rigid materials (12K carbon, 18K carbon, high-density EVA foams) and sleeves raises a simple question: What is the purpose of these new technologies?

What studies from the last three years have shown

Étude	Population	Key result
PubMed Central (Portuguese, 2023)	500 players	35% Injuries affect the tendons of the elbow/forearm
ResearchGate (2024)	1,000 matches analyzed	8 injuries / 1,000 matches among amateurs
MDPI Sports Medicine (2025)	312 players	Increased risk when the racket > 350 g

The body areas most affected in padel:

Three key parameters identified by sports doctors

1. The weight

Between 350 and 370 g → area of risk for amateur players (MDPI 2025).
Rackets > 350 g increase the mechanical load on the tendons.

"An increase of 10g on the racket head increases stress on the lateral epicondyle by 6 to 8%."
— Dr. João Marques, sports physician, Lisbon (2024 conference)
2. Balance
Rackets head-heavy (balance at the head) create a greater lever arm.
This increases the eccentric work of the forearm extensor muscles.

3. Rigidity

Very rigid rackets (12K, 18K carbon):

restore power better
but transmit more vibrations during an off-center shot.

Physiotherapists confirm it:

"Stiffness alone isn't dangerous, but combined with high weight and a head-heavy balance, it's the perfect recipe for tendonitis."
— Ana Rodriguez, physiotherapist specializing in padel, Madrid
The grip on the racket can also have an influence, as well as the size of the handle with grips and overgrips.

The materials of the snowshoes Padel

Element	Verifiable property	Effet sur le jeu
Fiberglass (faces)	A material more flexible than carbon	More comfort, better vibration absorption, less stiffness
Carbon (faces, 3K / 12K / 18K)	A material more rigid than fiberglass, regardless of the weave	Greater control and precision, crisper impact, less vibration absorption than fiberglass
Soft EVA foam (core)	Low density → more compressible foam	Greater comfort, better shock absorption, reduced vibrations
Medium EVA foam (core)	Intermediate density	Compromise between power and comfort
Hard/High Density EVA Foam (core)	High density → less deformable foam	More power and responsiveness, a "dryer" feel

Compression sleeves: a real effect or a fad?

Compression sleeves, which have been very common on the field for the past few months, are supposed to reduce vibrations and improve blood circulation in the forearm.
According to a study published in Sports MedicineCompression devices can reduce the perceived pain of 10 to 20% in athletes suffering from mild tendinopathies, although it does not constitute a treatment in itself.
The physiotherapists consulted agree: they do not prevent injury related to a racket that is too heavy or too rigidbut can help to limit muscle fatigue and slightly reduce pain in cases of early-stage epicondylitis. In short: a useful supplementary tool, but not a miracle cure.

Prevention remains the best technology

While new technologies – multi-layer foams, more flexible carbons, anti-vibration systems or compression sleeves – provide real comfort and reduce some of the mechanical stresses, they do not replace the fundamentals: a clean technique, a racket suited to his level and intelligent management of the workload of the game.
Upon arrival, the best prevention remains a simple trio: A thorough warm-up, appropriate equipment, and listening to your bodyThat's what will always make the difference... much more than 18K carbon or a state-of-the-art coating.

Antoine Tricolet

I discovered the Padel I stumbled into Spain at a campsite. I was instantly hooked; passionate about padel for the past three years, I follow international and regional news with the same excitement as the sport itself.