Q: I love playing tennis and over the last few weeks I have had pain in my wrist. It particularly hurts when I hit a backhand. I have no swelling and I went to the emergency room and they took X-rays and nothing was broken. However, I cannot play tennis without it hurting and wonder what it could be.

A: Injuries to the wrist in tennis due to overuse are common. This is particularly true in the last several years because of changes in racket technology and the way the ball is being struck. I recommend that you see a hand specialist or orthopedic surgeon for evaluation.

The concern is a possible injury to the ''TFCC'' cartilage on the little finger side of the wrist that can be damaged by overuse. It is also possible that ligaments in this area can be stretched. That can also produce pain.

Another common cause of wrist pain in tennis players is an inflammation of the tendons known as tendonitis. This can usually be treated with anti-inflammatory modification, a rehabilitation program and modification of your tennis technique. Tears of the TFCC or ligaments occasionally require surgical intervention to restore normal function.

The Jock Doc column runs every other week.

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