Golf Injuries

The information contained herein is advisory. If you are suffering intense or prolonged pain, we urge you to seek professional medical advice.

Fortunately golf is allot less strenuous than other sports. Most injuries can be avoided by maintaining one's general fitness thus enabling the body to cope with the stresses and strains of this low impact sport. Unsurprisingly most injuries arise from walking and the golf swing. As some golfers play regularly or practice intensely on the range, it most important to have a 'natural' golf swing. It is therefore advisable to study each element of the swing, preferably with professional assistance, before potentially detrimental habits develop.

Perhaps the best way to avoid injury is to warm up with some stretching exercises before starting out on the course. Failure to do so may expose the golfer to any of the following.

The Spine

Pain and stiffness in the back and neck are usually caused by the twisting motion of the golf swing as the shoulders rotate around the hips. This twisting of the torso in a coil fashion can put enormous pressure on the vertebrae, muscles and ligaments of the spine especially during the recovery phase. Indeed when one addresses the ball the bent back puts one in a most vulnerable position. Not surprisingly the US PGA cites lower back pain as the dominate golf injury. If rest does not alleviate the condition it may be advisable to seek doctor's advice.

Inflammation of Arm Joints

Swelling of the tissue around the joints is simply a symptom of over use especially when playing on hard surfaces. A good period of rest is the best medicine though physiotherapy can help to speed up recovery.

Knee Problems

Inflammation or pain in the knees is caused by the twisting motion of the golf swing and sometimes by walking in ill fitting shoes. Rest is the best medicine. However, a re-evaluation of one's swing or footwear may be necessary to prevent a repetition.

The Shin

Pain in the muscles of the lower leg are usually caused by excessive walking after a period of inactivity. Rest and if necessary, physiotherapy, will cure the problem. Before undertaking any intense golf, such as a golfing holiday or weekend competition, it is advisable to condition the body by gradually building up to it.

The Foot

Painful feet especially in the arch or heel is typically caused by wearing ill fitting shoes especially when walking long distances or over hard ground.

It is important to have properly fitting shoes as an average round of golf is a 6 km walk. Some shoes have an innovative sole design which complements rather than distorts the natural shape of the foot. These can minimise the build up of pressure spots. Others have a gortex coating which keeps the feet dry yet allows them to perspire. In the summer months, the ground can be quite hard and it therefore advisable to have a golf shoe which helps to absorb the shocks.

To summarise, simple and obvious precautions should be taken in order to avoid injury. Furthermore, it is important to listen to one's own body and rest when physically stressed.