Pain, set and match

It's the same every year - when Wimbledon starts, GPs' surgeries and hospitals across the capital fall prey to a bad case of what has come to be known as tennisitis. Sore necks, twisted ankles, bruised hands and, of course, tennis elbow are as representative of the sport in Britain as strawberries and cream.

So, how can you avoid falling victim? Here is everything you need to know to protect yourself from the most common tennis-related injuries with advice from ATP sports medicine trainer Bill Norris, and coach and former tennis professional Damian Williams. Norris has treated a number of the top seeds at Wimbledon this week, including a badly hurt Pete Sampras.

Tennis elbow
Overusing the muscles that straighten the fingers and wrist can lead to this condition. Pulling of the forearm muscles causes tenderness on the outer side of the elbow. A faulty grip is one of the main culprits.
Treatment: Rest the arm, apply icepacks and take painkillers or antiinflammatory drugs. Ultrasound may help reduce the inflammation. If the pain is severe or persistent, an injection of a cortico-steroid drug may be required. Surgery to release the tendon is occasionally needed.
Tips: Consult a professional about playing technique and equipment. Before you play, try this stretch: put your arms straight out in front of you with your palms up as if you are stopping traffic, grab your fingers and pull them back.

Shoulder
Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic pulled out of the tournament this year because of an injured left shoulder which required surgery. You know you have a problem if you feel a sharp pain when you raise your arm above your head to serve. A complete tear of the muscle tendons around the shoulder joint seriously limits the ability to raise the arm and may require surgery.
Treatment: Again, rest, ice-packs and ultrasound are best.
Tips: It is crucial to warm up properly. For a good stretch, try putting your arm out straight in front of you and making a fist. Grab your forearm at the elbow and pull your arm firmly across your chest. Feel the stretch at the top of your shoulders.

Wrist
If you suffer with numbness, tingling and pain in the thumb, index and middle fingers you could have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The condition may affect one or both hands and is sometimes accompanied by weakness in the thumb. Tennis players are particularly prone to this because the sport demands high-intensity and explosive movements of the wrist. Baseline players such as Agassi, who has had wrist injuries, are particularly at risk.
Treatment: Resting the affected hand at night in a splint may bring relief. If symptoms persist, cortico-steroids injected under the ligament in the wrist may help.
Tips: Ask a tennis coach to analyse your game and where you may be prone to injury.

Knees
Because tennis demands a lot of quick, explosive movements and jumping up and down, the knees are especially vulnerable. Ligament and cartilage injuries are the main problems. Torn knee ligaments usually result from twisting stress, when the knee is turned while weight is on that leg.
Treatment: Minor ligament sprains can be treated with ice, bandaging and physiotherapy. If the ligament is torn, the joint may need to be put in a plaster cast to allow healing, or repaired surgically. Cartilage injuries frequently require surgery, as cartilage does not have a blood supply so cannot heal.
Tips: Play tennis on a softer surface to protect your knees. Grass, Astroturf or indoor carpet are softer and kinder to the joints.

Hip
Bill Norris says Agassi is to blame for a rise in hip-related tennis injuries. He says: "Years ago, people were taught to play tennis by hitting the ball from the side. Now a lot of people emulate Agassi's open stance and it can lead to hip problems." This new stance puts pressure on top of the hip above the thigh. If you get pain going up and down stairs or in your groin, it could be a sign of hip strain.
Treatment: Get checked out first by your GP and then see a physiotherapist. Ice for swelling, heat treatments and hot baths can also help.
Tips: Try hitting the ball from the side. Also try regular stretching. If your right hip is hurting, try slowly stretching your left leg forward.

Feet
Many professional tennis players have problems with their feet. Friction from playing can cause blisters, and a build-up of sweat can contribute to athlete's foot and the impact of constant movement for shots can bruise toes.
Treatment: Reduce friction by applying Vaseline between and on top of your toes. Apply a thin coat of talcum powder to reduce sweating and wear two pairs of socks for extra comfort. If you have a fungal problem, try exposing your feet to more sunlight.