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The Citizen
3 days ago
- Health
- The Citizen
Experts share top tips to prevent injuries as padel surges across SA
The fast-paced rallies and doubles play of padel, also known as padel tennis, are attracting a major following across SA. However, as more people take to the courts, injuries are becoming increasingly common. Experts say that with the right approach, these injuries do not have to deter enthusiasts. 'The sport is an excellent form of cardio exercise; however, as more amateur players take to the padel courts, we are seeing an increase in injuries associated with it, especially to the knees, shoulders, elbows and ankles,' says Dr Ashley Naidoo, an orthopaedic surgeon with subspecialist expertise in upper limb and sports-related conditions. He practises at the Netcare Waterfall Hospital's Sports Orthopaedic Surgery (SOS) Centre. Recent research from Europe shows that around 36% of recreational padel players sustain injuries each year, at a rate of approximately 2.8 injuries per 1 000 hours of play. 'Many common padel injuries affect the lower limbs, with ankle sprains, overused knees, calf and thigh strains, and Achilles tendon problems fairly common; particularly in players over 30 and in those new to the game,' he says. 'Padel players should also be aware of the risk of upper limb injuries, as pain or strains affecting the elbow, shoulder, and wrist are also prevalent, especially among players using heavy rackets and less experienced players still working on improving their technique.' Dr Naidoo points out that players can avoid many padel injuries. 'Preventing injuries is always better than treating them, and given the growing popularity of padel tennis, I would advise anyone who is enjoying this sport to make prevention part of their preparation.' Physiotherapist Ulaysha Narandas, part of the multidisciplinary team at Netcare Waterfall City SOS, highlights the importance of warming up correctly. 'Research from European and Latin American sources has consistently highlighted one common theme: The absence of a structured warm-up dramatically increases injury risk,' she says. 'Most padel-related injuries, especially to the knees and calves, happen early in matches when cold muscles are pushed too hard, too fast. Her advice: Start every session with 10 minutes of active movement, including light jogging, mobility drills and dynamic stretching. 'After the game, static stretching of the legs, forearms and lower back helps prevent tightness and speed up recovery.' The structured smart training programme provided at the Netcare Waterfall City Hospital combines education with hands-on training, ideal for padel players looking to elevate their game and avoid injury. The individualised training programme, integrated with pneumatic resistance equipment, offers safe, measurable strength training for all ages, including arm and shoulder control exercises, lower limb stability and single-leg balance drills, eccentric tendon loading such as controlled heel drops, and trunk rotation work to support the agility required for padel. ALSO READ: Koue wind hou hengelaars op hulle tone by Trichardtsfontein It is also especially effective for improving strength without overstraining joints. Naidoo points out that appropriate padel footwear is another critical piece of the injury prevention puzzle. 'Padel is played on synthetic turf, often with sand infill, and requires lateral grip and ankle support. Running shoes and general trainers are unsuitable, increasing the risk of slipping or ankle rolls. 'Footwear designed specifically for padel or clay tennis surfaces offers the best protection. Recent Spanish data suggests that hybrid or omni-soles may reduce impact forces compared to full herringbone designs,' he says. 'By combining smart training, proper preparation, suitable footwear, and evidence-based rehabilitation, players of all ages can enjoy padel while minimising injury risk. 'Whether you play socially or competitively, whether you are 25 or 65, playing smart today can help you stay on court and pain-free for years to come.'
IOL News
12-08-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Padel's rapid growth in South Africa brings injury concerns
With padel's popularity soaring, enthusiasts are urged to prioritise injury prevention Image: Pixabay As the vibrant sport of padel, or padel tennis, surges in popularity across South Africa, players are drawn to the fast-paced action and the social community surrounding the game. However, with this rise in participants, medical experts are raising alarms over a disturbing trend: the increase in injuries among both novice and seasoned players. Dr Ashley Naidoo, an orthopaedic surgeon with specialised experience in upper limb and sports injuries at Netcare Waterfall Hospital's Sports Orthopaedic Surgery Centre, highlights the dual-edged nature of the sport. 'Padel is an excellent form of cardiovascular exercise,' he asserts. 'However, the influx of amateur players has led to a noticeable rise in injuries, particularly affecting the knees, shoulders, elbows, and ankles.' Research from Europe reveals that roughly 36% of recreational padel players sustain injuries annually, with about 2.8 injuries occurring for every 1,000 hours of play. 'Many injuries predominantly affect the lower limbs, including ankle sprains and strained calves and thighs, as well as issues like Achilles tendonitis, common particularly among those over 30 and beginners,' Dr Naidoo explains. The upper limbs aren't spared either; pain and strains in the elbow, shoulder, and wrist are frequently reported, especially among players who use heavier rackets or are still refining their playing technique. 'Many of these injuries can be avoided,' Dr Naidoo adds. 'Prevention is always better than treating an injury, and with padel's growing following, I encourage everyone to weave injury prevention into their preparation.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Complementing Dr Naidoo's insights, physiotherapist Ulaysha Narandas from Netcare Waterfall City SOS emphasises another critical factor in injury prevention: warming up. 'European and Latin American studies consistently show that a lack of structured warm-ups significantly raises the risk of injuries,' she notes. 'Early match injuries, particularly in the knees and calves, are often due to cold muscles being pushed too hard without adequate preparation.' Narandas recommends a structured routine: 'Start each session with 10 minutes of active movement, including light jogging, mobility drills, and dynamic stretching. After playing, incorporate static stretches for your legs, forearms, and lower back to alleviate tightness and hasten recovery.' In an effort to combat the rising injury statistics, Netcare Waterfall City Hospital offers a structured smart training programme. This comprehensive course combines education with practical training tailored for padel players aiming to elevate their game while minimising injury risk. The programme leverages pneumatic resistance equipment to deliver safe, measurable strength training suitable for players of all ages. It focuses on exercises to enhance arm and shoulder control, lower limb stability, and single-leg balance, all essential for the agility required in padel. Other preventative measures extend to the choice of footwear. 'Padel is often played on synthetic turf with sand infill, necessitating proper lateral grip and ankle support. General trainers and running shoes do not provide these features and significantly increase the likelihood of injuries,' Dr Naidoo warns. 'Shoes designed specifically for padel or clay surfaces are your safest option. Recent data from Spain indicates that hybrid or omni-soles may further reduce impact forces compared to standard herringbone designs.' Ultimately, Dr Naidoo concludes that with a combination of smart training, proper preparation, suitable footwear, and evidence-based rehabilitation approaches, players can safely enjoy the exhilarating thrills of padel, whether socially or competitively. 'No matter your age, if you play wisely today, you can remain on the court and pain-free for years to come.' IOL
Time Out
10-07-2025
- Time Out
Tragedy in the Langeberg: Young leopard dies in illegal gin trap
CapeNature has confirmed the unfortunate death of a young male leopard caught in two illegal gin traps near Heidelberg, close to the Boosmansbos World Heritage Site. The six-month-old cub, weighing just 13kg, was found on 2 July with one front paw and one hind leg caught in the traps. Despite a rapid response by CapeNature's rescue team, the leopard succumbed to its injuries. This devastating incident, now under investigation by CapeNature and the South African Police Service, underscores the serious legal and ethical responsibilities of landowners under both local and international wildlife laws. Leopards are listed as a Protected Species under Western Cape legislation and CITES Appendix I, making the capture or killing of them without a permit a criminal offence. Gin traps and other leg-hold devices are banned for this purpose, and their use constitutes cruelty under the Animal Protection Act of 1962. CapeNature CEO Dr Ashley Naidoo emphasised that dialogue and non-lethal solutions are essential: 'We understand the challenges faced by landowners and farmers… Solutions are always possible through dialogue.' In recent months, leopard-related conflicts have also been reported. In April 2025, an adult male leopard killed a calf on a farm near Grootvadersbosch. That leopard, estimated to be seven years old, was captured, collared, and released under supervision and has not attacked livestock since its release. While leopards are often mischaracterised as livestock predators, CapeNature notes that livestock makes up less than 1% of their diet. The death of this young leopard draws attention to the urgent need for education, collaboration, and lawful practices. CapeNature and the Cape Leopard Trust have responded by updating the Landowner's Guide to Human-Wildlife Conflict, promoting practical, non-lethal methods to reduce conflict. The guide is now available in English and Afrikaans. This incident also comes shortly after CapeNature's 2025 Snapshot: New Species, Big Threats was released, which revealed both encouraging biodiversity wins and mounting threats to wildlife across the Western Cape. From the discovery of new freshwater species to intensified habitat pressure due to climate change and land-use shifts, the snapshot highlights the fragile balance of the Cape's ecosystems. The young leopard's death is a sobering reminder of what's at stake. As custodians of the Western Cape's biodiversity, CapeNature continues to call on the public to report wildlife crimes and support ethical, informed conservation. City of Cape Town 107 or 021 480 7700 on cellphone Overberg 028 425 1690 West Coast 022 433 8700 Eden 044 805 5071 Central Karoo 023 414 2603 Cape Winelands 021 887 4446
IOL News
10-07-2025
- IOL News
CapeNature investigates tragic death of young leopard caught in traps
Generic Leopard. Image: Supplied CapeNature is investigating the death of a young leopard that was caught in gin traps near Heidelberg. CapeNature said a case has been registered with Saps after the conservation authority was called to assist in a rescue operation on July 2 in the Heidelberg area, near the World Heritage Site of Boosmansbos. Officials discovered a young 13kg male leopard, estimated to be around six months old, ensnared in two gin traps set adjacent to each other. One front paw and one hind leg were caught. 'Despite the best efforts of the rescue team, the leopard did not survive,' CapeNature said. 'The incident is a reminder of the legal implications and ethical responsibilities surrounding wildlife.' Leopards are a listed Protected Species in terms of the Western Cape Nature Conservation Ordinance 19 of 1974. The species is also listed under CITES Appendix I. It is illegal to hunt a leopard without a permit. The use of any trap to hunt a leopard, including cage traps, gin traps, or leg-hold traps, remains illegal in the absence of a permit and constitutes a criminal offence. Any form of cruelty or suffering inflicted on an animal is also a criminal offence in terms of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962. 'CapeNature understands the challenges faced by landowners and farmers, particularly concerning livestock management and is working together with the agricultural community and partners to implement effective, non-lethal solutions for preventing livestock loss. Solutions are always possible through dialogue,' said CapeNature CEO Dr Ashley Naidoo. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading 'The tragic death of this young leopard highlights the importance of adhering to the laws protecting our wildlife, and we urge the public to report any illegal activities.' Leopards are a cornerstone species of the Western Cape's ecosystem, playing an important role in maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance. As apex predators, they contribute to the health and resilience of the environment. Despite their critical importance, leopards have already lost 75% of their historical distribution area, CapeNature said. They are currently classified as Vulnerable on the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In the Langeberg Area, leopards are known to have very large home ranges, indicative of their need for expansive, undisturbed habitats. Contrary to common misconceptions, less than 1% of their diet consists of livestock, indicating that most of their food comes from wild prey, CapeNature said. In a separate event in April this year, a leopard attacked livestock on a farm close to Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve, resulting in one calf being killed and another injured. The area has a history of leopard presence due to its proximity to mountainous terrain. The adult male, estimated to be around seven years old and in good condition, was successfully captured. Later, under the supervision of CapeNature and a veterinarian, the leopard was released back onto the same property and fitted with a tracking collar to monitor its movements. The leopard has not attacked any livestock again since being collared. CapeNature encourages continued engagement from affected landowners, farmers, and the public to promote preventative mitigation, ethical and coordinated wildlife management practices. Cape Times
