Common Golf Injuries

Now that spring is here and summer is around the corner, golf season is in full swing. Although not a contact sport, golf can also mean serious injuries for some.

The most typical orthopedic injuries involve the lower back, shoulders, elbows, wrists and hands. These are often referred to as overuse injuries, as the impact and stress of the repetitive motion of a golf swing can be taxing on muscles and joints.

Common golf injuries include:

Back

• muscle strains and sprains
• lower back pain
• herniated discs

Shoulder

• tendonitis or bursitis
• torn rotator cuff
• shoulder seperation

Elbow

• golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis)
• bursitis

Wrist and Hand

• wrist sprains and strains
• fractures
• tendonitis

 Golfers may also suffer from knee pain, as well as skin abrasions such as blisters and sunburn or windburn due to exposure to the elements. 

If you suffer from any of these injuries, visit your orthopedist to make sure nothing is serious.

Typical treatment for many of these conditions might include proper rest and over-the-counter pain medication, as well as adjusting your swing when you are ready to return to the course. A safer swing can be the key to avoiding many of these injuries.

Other tips to help stay injury-free are:

• using proper posture and maintaining an upright stance
• staying smooth as you complete your swing, moving through all the muscle groups, from ankles to wrists - avoid jerking motions
• lifting and carrying your golf bag carefully to properly distribute the weight of your clubs and lessen the strain on your body

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