Common Golf Injuries – Golf Expert’s Suggestions and Treatment

Last Updated on March 18, 2023 by Deb

Golf keeps us active and healthy because we get a chance to spend a lot of refreshing time in the golf course’s sound environment. There are also possibilities of getting injured due to poor swing mechanics because our body requires us to move with a complex repetitive motion to throw the ball. A little bit of unconsciousness can create difficulty in the muscles or any joints of the body parts. You may think that only novice golfers have the chance to get the injury. But it is not the absolute truth.

The pro golfers got overuse damages on different body parts several times in their impressive golf career. Tiger woods missed the tournaments for two months for his knee surgery in April 2008. Besides, he suffers from lower back pain, neck pain, and Achilles tendon. Moreover, Rory Mcllroy and Paula Creamer got ankle and shoulder pain in their pro golf career. Therefore, get an acute injury is quite common in the game of golf. Perhaps, it is not so severe for health. Physical therapy and some unique exercise can be enough to get rid of these golf-related injuries.

Common golf injuries and the treatments suggested by Experts

Golf is generally a low-impact sport that carries a relatively low risk of injury compared to other sports. However, golfers can still be susceptible to a range of injuries, including:

• Lower back pain: The twisting and bending motions involved in the golf swing can put a strain on the lower back muscles, leading to pain and discomfort.
• Rotator cuff injuries: The rotator cuff muscles in the shoulder can be strained or torn during the golf swing, particularly if a golfer has poor swing mechanics or a history of shoulder injuries.
• Elbow injuries: Golfers can experience a range of elbow injuries, including tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow, which are caused by overuse and repetitive motions.
• Wrist injuries: Golfers can develop wrist injuries, such as sprains or tendonitis, from the repetitive impact of hitting the ball.
• Knee injuries: Golfers can experience knee injuries, such as meniscus tears or ligament sprains, from the twisting and bending motions involved in the golf swing.
• Ankle injuries: Golfers can sprain or strain their ankles from the twisting and turning motions involved in the golf swing, as well as from uneven terrain on the golf course.
• Sunburn or heat-related illness: Spending prolonged periods in the sun while playing golf can increase the risk of sunburn and heat exhaustion.

Below we discuss the most common injuries which golfers’ while playing with the golf expert’s suggestions.

1. Back pain

Pain in the muscles or ligaments at the lower back of the body is the most common injury for athletes, especially golfers. While they are swinging, they need to stand rigidly to get accuracy. At that time, if there is a little deviation in the standing position, muscles or ligaments can tear, damage, or get more stress than they can tolerate. All of these incidents result in back pain. Sometimes, it becomes so painful that players need to break from their loving game, golf, for a specified period. Besides, a golfer requires practicing a long time from the training to become an amateur or a professional. Spending a long period in the course and swinging with the golf clubs, maybe hundreds of times in a day is enough for suffering from back pain.

• Treatment

Once golfers get a back injury, they must go for treatment, whether physical therapy or medicinal treatment, depending on the intensity of the damage. The general procedures to get rid of back pain problems are –

• Take a break from playing and get rest.
• Take on hot and ice packs alternatively.
• Go to the gym or therapeutic center for a deep massage.
• Take any pain-killer pill to reduce inflammation.
• Visit a doctor for any steroid injection.
• Decide for a surgical operation if the injury is too much, of course, under a specialized surgeon.

2. Elbow injury

Another recurring pain that the golfers get frequently is an elbow injury. Getting more pressure on the elbow tendons leads to this condition. Improper or massive range of motion also causes elbow pain. When the inflammation feels at the outer tendon of the forearm, it is called a “tennis elbow.” Golfer’s elbow, however, refers to the soreness of the inner muscle. Generally, golf players suffer more from tennis elbow than golfer’s elbow. Age increases the risk of inflamed tendons problems, and the players who struggle to improve their performance have a greater chance of getting this injury. This muscle damage results in stiffness on the elbow, tingling or numbness to the fingers, and weakness on the wrists and hands.

• Treatment

Taking rest between rounds and using the proper golf swing techniques decreases the possibility of damaging the forearm tendon. But if the sufferings become more serious, then golfers have to stop playing for the time being. In general, doctors suggest medications, take a break, oppose force bracing and therapy. If the muscle destruction happens more, then they prescribe surgery on the tendon of the elbow.

3. Carpal tunnel syndrome

The wrist and rapid swing’s recurring movement in golfing resulted in Carpal tunnel syndrome for a long time. Due to swelling in the wrist tendon, golfers can’t move their hands, feel more soreness, tingling on the fingers and golfing at old age, no warm-up before starting a golf session, and playing with a weak physical condition higher the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.

• Treatment

This injury does not persist for more than one or two weeks. Take a break from golfing for this period can dispose of this wrist pain. Proper rest, medication with only pain-killer, ice packs, and splinting can also solve this stress disorder. It is rare to need surgery to get rid of this injury.

4. Shoulder injury

The shoulder is the more complicated body area where a rotator cuff group provides the necessary strength for doing something with hands. Therefore, tenderness on the shoulder joint at night after passing a whole day on the golf course is typical for any golf professional. But when the player overlooks this little bit of shoulder pain day after day, it will be more painful, resulting in a massive injury for any athlete. When this soreness sustains through a traumatic breakdown of the strength, the amateur golfers get tendinitis and rotator cuff damage while swinging the clubs and hitting them.

• Treatment

Any anti-inflammatory medications can solve this shoulder injury. With medication, the ice pack is also an excellent solution to get rid of muscle pain. But if it becomes severe, then surgery on the rotator cuff needs to cure it. They are besides, stretching the shoulder tendons before swinging lowers the risk of it. Exercise before starting the game also makes the scapular muscles flexible to prevent damage or pain on the shoulder muscles.

5. Knee injury

As the body structure, legs take in the entire body weight. So it is mandatory to stand in a correct position while a golfer is striking the golf ball. When a professional golfer is swinging the clubs, the leg absorbs pressure 4 to 5 times more than the body weight within a few seconds. Any misposition while turning results in a torn meniscus due to the twisting in thigh muscles. The cartilage between the thighbone and the shinbone is called the meniscus. It performs like a shock absorber of our body. It can shred for twisting the thigh muscles that are frequently happening at swinging. And the symptoms of tendon twisting or torn meniscus come with stiffing and swelling with massive pain that limits the leg muscles’ movement. Besides, arthritis is an ordinary pain for the golfer or any athlete because their legs have to absorb more pressure than any other person. Due to arthritis, men have to spend their time with more pain in the knee, the most critical part of the body.

• Treatment

The golfers must recover the torn meniscus before starting golfing again and give enough rest on the meniscus to get rid of the tears. Moreover, regular exercise before beginning the swinging lowers the risk for injury or twisting on the muscles. The doctor prescribes general anti-inflammatory medicine for a knee injury with proper rest. Surgery needs some exceptional cases where the players’ body structure differs slightly from others, or the chance of injury is too severe for the weak knee.

6. Neck injury

The golfers get neck injuries because of more stress on the neck muscles for staying in the course for most of the day and imperfect swinging techniques. As the neck is a more sensitive body, it gets hurt for a bit of displacement of the muscles. Spasms or knots result in poor postures and neck stiffness that hampers the putting, driving, or other golfing activities. So never try to overlook the neck muscles inflammation.

• Treatment

Ice packs are enough for a little sore on the neck, but if the collar becomes stiff with more pain, you must take the doctor’s advice. And, every golfer has to stop playing before the neck muscles become flexible to move around. If golfers want to lower the chance of getting neck injury, they have to take warm-up exercises before swinging because it strengthens the shoulders and upper arms’ muscles. Besides, take breaks after a specific time of practice and less stress for the perfection of the striking may also lessen the risk of this injury,

7. Plantar fasciitis

The plantar fascia is a fibrous tissue layer attached to the heel bone at the foot’s bottom. Most of the time, golfers feel pain while they are going out for the sport. The inflammation feels mainly in the morning, and it happens due to wearing the wrong shoes, extensive practice with no breaks. It is also known as a foot and ankle injury because golfers need to move their bodies more frequently than other athletes, damaging the foot and ankle bones.

• Treatment

Ice treatment and non-steroids anti-inflammatory medicine are pretty enough to remove the soreness or pain in the heel. Besides, the stretching exercises help to lower the chance of getting hurt in the heel bone. Using the precise swinging mechanism reduces the possibility of getting an injury on the feet and ankles.

8. Hand and finger injury

As the golfer requires more stress on the fingers and hands while creating the golf swing, these parts of the body have a high risk of getting wrist injury. Generally, golfers suffer from recurrent blunt trauma or severe pain in the fingers to practice more without rest. If anyone overlooks this injury, it may turn into chronic tendinitis, broken or deformed finger bones, or HHS (Hypothenar Hammer Syndrome).

• Treatment

Use the perfect gripping technique and take a break while the need to swing for a long time to improve the performance reduces this injury or damage. Besides, golfers must avoid more ball blushing and ball off in the artificial mats to eliminate this injury.

9. Hip injury

Although the hip joint is the most movable part of the body and can absorb more stress than other parts, golfers also injure it. They have to stay on the golf course for the whole day long and use different techniques to improve scoring, and they are at high risk of injury on their hips. The joint gets injuries such as groin strains and lower back pain without extra adduction and flexion pressure on the hip’s gluteal and adductor muscles.

• Treatment

Proper warm-up exercises and taking rest between the sessions can prevent this hip joint pain. Besides, if anyone gets an injury, they need to rest as per the doctor’s prescription.

10. Sunburn

While golfing, the skin gets more damage due to the direct sunlight. It is the largest and more sensitive organ of the body. If anyone does not use the sun protection agent while staying in the direct sunlight for a long time, permanent burning signs may appear on the skin that remain open. Long-term sunburn can turn into skin cancer, so every golfer requires proper preventive measures for this less painful but irritational injury. Besides, they should use golf sunglasses to protect their eyes from UV rays of sunlight.

• Treatment

Use of sunscreen lotion or cream having SPF 15 or more, depending on the intensity of the UV rays, can prevent the burning of the skin. Moreover, the use of golf sunglasses, golf hats, and an umbrella on the caddie can protect the face from direct sunlight.

FAQs

What is the most common golf injury?

The most common golf injury is tendinitis, which is an inflammation of the tendons that connect muscles to bones. Golfers often experience tendinitis in the elbow, known as “golfer’s elbow” or medial epicondylitis, and in the shoulder, known as “rotator cuff tendinitis.” These injuries are caused by repetitive motions involved in the golf swing and can be exacerbated by poor swing technique or overuse.

Other common injuries include lower back pain, which is often caused by the twisting motion of the golf swing, as well as knee and hip injuries, which can be caused by the torque and pressure placed on these joints during the swing. Additionally, golfers are also at risk of hand and wrist injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, which can be caused by repetitive gripping of the club.

Taking preventive measures such as warming up properly, stretching, using proper swing techniques, and using appropriate equipment can help reduce the risk of golf-related injuries. If you experience pain or discomfort while playing golf, it’s important to seek medical attention to prevent the injury from worsening.

What muscles can you pull in golf?

In golf, it is possible to pull or strain a variety of muscles. Some of the most common muscles that golfers may pull include:

• Lower back muscles: The lower back muscles can be strained during the golf swing, particularly if a golfer has poor swing mechanics or a weak core.
• Rotator cuff muscles: The rotator cuff muscles in the shoulder can be strained during the golf swing, particularly if a golfer has poor swing mechanics or a history of shoulder injuries.
• Elbow muscles: The muscles in the elbow can be strained during the golf swing, particularly if a golfer has poor swing mechanics or a history of elbow injuries.
• Forearm muscles: The muscles in the forearm can be strained during the golf swing, particularly if a golfer grips the club too tightly or has poor swing mechanics.
• Hip muscles: The muscles in the hips can be strained during the golf swing, particularly if a golfer has poor hip mobility or a history of hip injuries.
• Knee muscles: The muscles in the knee can be strained during the golf swing, particularly if a golfer has poor lower body stability or a history of knee injuries.

To reduce the risk of muscle strains in golf, golfers need to warm up before playing, use proper swing mechanics, and maintain overall fitness and conditioning. Golfers should also listen to their bodies and take a break if they experience pain or discomfort during or after playing.

What is the most important muscle in golf?

It is difficult to identify one single muscle as the most important in golf, as the golf swing involves a complex series of movements that engage muscles throughout the body. However, some of the key muscle groups involved in the golf swing include:

• Core muscles: The core muscles, including the abdominals and back muscles, provide stability and control throughout the swing.
• Gluteal muscles: The gluteal muscles are important for generating power and stability during the swing.
• Leg muscles: The muscles in the legs, including the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves, are important for generating power and transferring weight during the swing.
• Shoulder muscles: The shoulder muscles, including the rotator cuff and deltoids, are important for controlling the club and generating power during the swing.
• Forearm muscles: The muscles in the forearms, including the flexors and extensors, are important for controlling the club and generating power during the swing.

In general, a balanced and well-conditioned body is important for success in golf. By focusing on overall fitness and conditioning, golfers can develop the strength, flexibility, and endurance necessary to perform well on the course.

Is golf the most injury-prone sport?

No, golf is not considered the most injury-prone sport. Golf is generally considered a low-impact sport with a relatively low risk of injury compared to other sports. However, as with any physical activity, injuries can occur in golf. Some sports that are considered more injury-prone than golf include:

• Football: Football involves a high level of physical contact, and players are at risk for a range of injuries, including concussions, fractures, and sprains.
• Basketball: Basketball players are at risk for injuries such as ankle sprains, knee injuries, and finger fractures, as well as overuse injuries such as shin splints and stress fractures.
• Soccer: Soccer involves a lot of running and physical contact, and players are at risk for injuries such as sprains, fractures, and concussions.
• Gymnastics: Gymnastics involves a lot of jumping, twisting, and flipping, and gymnasts are at risk for a range of injuries, including fractures, sprains, and overuse injuries.
• Hockey: Hockey involves a lot of physical contacts and players are at risk for injuries such as concussions, fractures, and lacerations.

Overall, while golf is not the most injury-prone sport, it is still important for golfers to take appropriate precautions to prevent injuries and seek medical attention if they experience pain or discomfort.

Where do most golf injuries occur?

Golf is generally considered a low-impact sport, but like any physical activity, it can lead to injuries. Most injuries occur in the following areas:

• Lower back: The golf swing places a significant amount of stress on the lower back, and repetitive swinging can cause muscle strains or even herniated discs.
• Elbow: Golfers can develop two types of elbow injuries – golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) and tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis). Both conditions result from the repetitive stress that is put on the elbow during the swing.
• Wrist: Golfers can develop wrist injuries such as tendonitis, ligament sprains, and carpal tunnel syndrome from the repetitive twisting and impact that the wrists endure during the swing.
• Shoulder: The golf swing places a significant amount of stress on the shoulder joint, which can lead to injuries such as rotator cuff strains or tears.
• Knee: The force generated during the golf swing can transfer to the lower body, and golfers can experience knee injuries such as patellar tendonitis or meniscal tears.
• Foot: Golfers can experience foot injuries such as plantar fasciitis, which is inflammation of the thick tissue on the bottom of the foot, or stress fractures from the repetitive weight transfer during the swing.

To reduce the risk of golfers’ injuries, golfers should warm up before playing, use proper swing mechanics, and use proper equipment that fits well and is appropriate for their skill level. It is also important to listen to the body and take a break if pain or discomfort is experienced.

What is golf leading arm pain?

Golf-leading arm pain is a type of pain that is experienced in the front or outer part of the arm that is closest to the target during the golf swing. This arm is also known as the “lead arm,” and is typically the left arm for right-handed golfers and the right arm for left-handed golfers.

Golf-leading arm pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including overuse or strain of the muscles and tendons in the arm, poor swing mechanics, or underlying medical conditions such as tendinitis or bursitis. Some common symptoms of golf-leading arm pain include:

• Pain or discomfort in the front or outer part of the lead arm during or after a golf swing
• Stiffness or soreness in the lead arm
• Weakness or loss of grip strength in the lead arm

To prevent golf-leading arm pain, it is important to use proper swing mechanics and to warm up before playing. Stretching and strengthening exercises can also help to prevent golf-leading arm pain by improving the flexibility and strength of the muscles and tendons in the arm. If you experience golf-leading arm pain or any other type of arm pain or discomfort, it is important to seek medical attention to determine the cause of your symptoms and receive proper treatment.

How long do golfers’ arms take to heal?

The recovery time for golfers’ arms can vary depending on the severity of the injury, the specific type of injury, and the individual’s overall health and healing ability. In general, mild cases of golfers’ arms can often be treated with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medications, and may resolve within a few weeks.

More severe cases of golfers’ arms, such as those involving a torn or ruptured tendon, may require more extensive treatment, such as physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, or even surgery. Recovery from these types of injuries can take several weeks to several months and may require ongoing rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility in the affected arm.

It is important to follow your doctor’s recommended treatment plan and avoid engaging in activities that may aggravate your injury while you are recovering from a golfer’s arm or any other type of arm injury. With proper care and rehabilitation, most golfers’ arm injuries can heal successfully, and individuals can return to their normal activities, including golf, over time.

What can be mistaken for a golfer’s elbow?

Golfer’s elbow is a type of tendinitis that affects the inside of the elbow, causing pain and tenderness. However, other conditions or injuries can cause similar symptoms, which can sometimes be mistaken for a golfer’s elbow. Some conditions that can be mistaken for a golfer’s elbow include:

• Tennis elbow: Tennis elbow is a type of tendinitis that affects the outside of the elbow, causing pain and tenderness. Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are both caused by repetitive motions, but they affect different parts of the elbow.
• Radial tunnel syndrome: Radial tunnel syndrome occurs when the radial nerve in the forearm becomes compressed or irritated, causing pain and weakness in the forearm and hand. The symptoms of radial tunnel syndrome can be similar to a golfer’s elbow.
• Ulnar nerve entrapment: Ulnar nerve entrapment occurs when the ulnar nerve in the elbow becomes compressed or irritated, causing pain and numbness in the forearm and hand. Ulnar nerve entrapment can be mistaken for a golfer’s elbow because it can cause similar symptoms.
• Biceps tendinitis: Biceps tendinitis is a type of tendinitis that affects the biceps tendon in the upper arm, causing pain and weakness in the arm. Biceps tendinitis can sometimes be mistaken for a golfer’s elbow because the pain is located in a similar area.

If you are experiencing elbow pain, it is important to seek medical attention to determine the cause of your symptoms and receive proper treatment.

Do you get abs from golf?

While golf can provide some physical fitness benefits, such as improving cardiovascular health, building core strength, and improving flexibility, it is not typically a sport that will directly give you six-pack abs or a toned stomach.

To develop visible abdominal muscles, you need to engage in exercises that specifically target the abdominal muscles, such as crunches, planks, or sit-ups. However, golf can contribute to overall weight loss and body fat reduction, which may help to reveal your abdominal muscles if they are already toned.

Additionally, golf can indirectly contribute to the development of abdominal muscles by improving core strength. The golf swing requires a strong and stable core, and golfers often use exercises and stretch to strengthen these muscles. A strong core can help to improve posture, balance, and overall body stability, which can lead to improved athletic performance in golf and other sports.

Why do golfers have so many injuries?

Golfers can be prone to injuries due to the repetitive motion of the golf swing, which places stress on various muscles and joints of the body. Additionally, the nature of the sport requires golfers to spend long periods in static positions, such as standing or walking, which can lead to muscle imbalances and postural issues. Some common golf-related injuries include:

• Back pain: The twisting motion of the golf swing can cause strain on the muscles and joints of the back, particularly the lower back.
• Elbow pain: Golfers may develop a golfer’s elbow or tennis elbow, which are types of tendinitis that affect the inner or outer part of the elbow, respectively.
• Shoulder pain: The repetitive motion of the golf swing can cause strain on the muscles and joints of the shoulders, leading to injuries such as rotator cuff injuries or impingement syndrome.
• Knee pain: The walking involved in playing golf can put stress on the knees, particularly if a golfer has poor alignment or gait.

To prevent golf-related injuries, golfers need to use proper technique, warm up before playing, and maintain good posture and muscle balance through regular exercise and stretching. Additionally, it is important to listen to your body and seek medical attention if you experience pain or discomfort during or after playing golf.

Is golf bad for your shoulders?

Golf is generally a low-impact sport that is considered safe for most people, including those with shoulder issues. However, like any physical activity, golf can put stress on the body, including the shoulders.

The repetitive motion of the golf swing can cause strain on the muscles and joints of the shoulders, particularly if proper technique is not used. Common shoulder injuries in golfers include rotator cuff injuries, shoulder impingement syndrome, and labral tears.

To minimize the risk of shoulder injuries in golf, it is important to use proper technique and warm up before playing or practicing. Golfers should also take breaks when necessary and avoid overuse of their shoulders.

If you have a pre-existing shoulder condition or are experiencing pain or discomfort during or after playing golf, it is important to consult with a medical professional for proper evaluation and treatment.

What body type is best for golf?

There is no one “best” body type for golf as individuals of all body types can excel in the sport with the right training and technique. However, certain physical characteristics can provide advantages for golfers.

For example, taller individuals may have longer limbs which can allow for a greater range of motion during the swing. Additionally, having a more flexible body can lead to a smoother swing and greater clubhead speed. Core strength is also important in golf as it helps golfers maintain stability and balance throughout the swing.

That being said, golf is a sport that requires a combination of physical ability, mental focus, and technical skills. So, while certain physical attributes may provide advantages, ultimately, success in golf comes from a combination of factors, including practice, technique, and mental discipline.

Tiger Woods drops to his knees in pain

Wraps Up

If we compare golf with other athletic games, it will be less harmful to getting wounds. Besides, the common injuries that a golfer can face can easily be solved and not so dangerous like football, wrestling, baseball, etc. So take the usual preventive measures like the proper technique of swinging, tea break between the rounds, stretching exercises, and enough warming up before beginning the swing to get rid of golf injuries. And enjoy the game of golf without putting stress on the mind except to concentrate on the score.