5 Common Golf Injuries

Effective swings in golf require strong effort. The explosive nature of the move can be a great deal of stress on your body, particularly your joints. Because of this, most professional golfers deal with some sort of golf-related injury eventually. However, golf injuries are not limited to the pros; casual golfers get injured, too.

Let’s take a quick look at golf injuries that are most likely to get in the way of your game.

1. Tendinitis of the Elbow

Also sometimes referred to as “golfer’s elbow,” painful tendinitis is a common injury among golfers. In golfers, tendinitis is most common on the inner tendon. Tennis players, by contrast, are most likely to injure the elbow’s outer tendon.

Tendinitis can occur when repetitive motions, such as practicing your golf swing, puts stress on tendons in your elbow. Inflammation and soreness can result.

Wearing an armband that is designed to apply pressure to the area can help soothe tendinitis and help the area heal.

2. Rotator Cuff Injuries

Your rotator cuff is a group of muscles that holds the ball of your arm in the socket of its joint. This network of muscles keeps your arm in its socket when you are swinging your arm, lifting things, or holding something over your head.

This area can become vulnerable to injury, though, especially with repetitive stress. You may experience pain in your shoulder or upper arm either during play or after a long day on the course. Injuries can occur during a poorly executed swing, after hitting a rock or root, or when taking a deep divot out of the turf. Tendinitis, tears and bursitis are all potential types of rotator cuff injuries.

3. Foot and Ankle Injuries

The power of your entire body goes into your golf swing, with power production beginning at the feet. Each foot moves independently, with your back foot allowing more pronation through the follow-through of your swing. If you lose your footing or your balance, an injury can occur. Inflammation, blisters, ankle sprains, and tendinitis are the most common foot and ankle injuries in golf.

To protect yourself against injury, work on improving your swing mechanics. Always ensure that you wear properly fitted golf shoes to ensure a good, even gait when you walk. Working on your balance and flexibility, as well as core strength, can also help protect against injury.

4. Hip Injuries

Your hip joints are particularly vulnerable to golf injuries. A golf swing requires intense twisting and pivoting movements. This rotational and shear force can cause injuries.

Your hip joint is similar to the joint in your shoulder. As a result, it can be subject to the same types of injuries. Warming up muscles before play, working to increase core strength, and working on good form can help protect you against injuries to your hips.

5. Knee Injuries

Sometimes a golf swing puts extreme force on the knee, which can cause torn ligaments. People with arthritis are also more likely to experience knee pain and stiffness during and after a round of golf.

When golfing causing discomfort in the knees, stretching, adding a compression bandage, or applying heat or ice can be helpful.

 

Most Common Causes of Golf Injuries

Usually, when a golf injury occurs, one of the following is the culprit:

• poor swing mechanics.
• over-swinging.
• overuse from excessive practice or play.
• failing to warm up properly before playing.
• incorrect grip or setup.
• rotational stress on your spine.
• poorly executed swings resulting in traumatic force against your body.

Working to improve your form, listening to your body, and increasing core strength can all help you avoid golf injuries. Take the time to improve your general health to ensure that a day out on the links is a good one.

 

More references:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/golf/art-20047434

https://www.betterbraces.com/prevent-golf-injuries

https://www.golfchannel.com/article/golf-fitness-magazine/10-common-golf-injuries