3 Most Common Golf Injuries to Avoid on the Course This Summer
The air has that summery smell to it, beckoning you to grab your clubs and hit the greens. For those that play golf, nothing is more invigorating than those summer days playing through. It’s generally a low impact sport, but surprisingly, leaves many with painful injuries that can ruin your game.
So, what are the most common golf injuries?
1. Wrist tendinitis
When the tendons in your wrist become overly fatigued and inflamed, that leads to a painful and tender feeling. You’ll know it when you have trouble holding your club in the proper form. Additionally, you may feel some tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness. Getting enough rest and taking an anti-inflammatory will help in the short term though a physiotherapist can help you get back in the game.
2. Injuries to wrist ligaments
Golf has very specific repetitive motions for the wrist during putts. Plus, there’s the chance of hyperextension of the wrist when you swing. You may notice pain and swelling along the base of your pinky-to-wrist area. When you bend your hand at the wrist, it may hurt or you could hear a clicking or grinding sound. Loss of strength when grabbing things is a big clue this has happened to you. Using ice and anti-inflammatory OTC meds will give some relief though an appointment with your physiotherapist can certainly speed up your recovery.
3. Elbow injuries
There are two very specific types of injuries that occur for golfer’s and their elbows. The first is aptly nicknamed as golfer’s elbow. It happens from repeated swinging of the club or locking your arm, leaving you in pain near that bony bump on the inside portion of your elbow. There’s also tennis elbow which affects golfers as much as tennis players, occurring on the outside of the elbow.
For these two elbow injuries, the healing can take quite some time. Ice will help and using splints and wraps can keep things in place. Your physiotherapist is a crucial element here, helping you heal your injuries and then restore your mobility so you can enjoy the game.
Even if you haven’t had any injuries, look forward to a better summer of golfing by scheduling a visit with a physiotherapist. You will learn how to stretch your arms, elbows, and wrists properly prior to playing so you can avoid injuries. No time to make an in-office visit? Let In Your Home Therapy come to you at your convenience and help you get ready for your summer of golfing fun!
