Professional golf is big business, with player’s competing across the globe in tournaments which can net them a small fortune.
The majority of tournaments are now televised to increase their exposure and that of the players. 2014 will also see the return of the Ryder Cup, with Gleneagles hosting the esteemed event where Europe will be looking to take a third straight victory over their American counterparts.
Golfing from a leisure perspective is equally big business with almost 2,800 golf clubs in the UK alone. It is the place where business takes place and equally a Sunday morning past time for fun.
Regardless of your ability or the number of times you play golf it is estimated that up to 20% of players will be affected by an injury within any given year. The majority of golf injuries are as a result of overuse, whether attempting to put that extra bit of power on a shot or simple not being used to playing eighteen holes and the distance covered.
As golf requires a great deal of power being put into shots it can often take its toll on the body, with these repeated actions often leading to injury. Common areas where golf injuries occur include the elbow, back, wrist, shoulder and knee.
Golfers Elbow
Golfers elbow occurs as a result of overuse of the muscles and tendons of the forearm close to the elbow joint. The damage to this area can result in pain and inflammation and can limit the motion of the forearm which can make continuing your round quite difficult.
If you consider the number of shots a player takes within a round and the impact this has on the elbow joint then you can understand how playing a couple of times a week plus time on the driving range can result in golfers elbow. Patients often complain of pain centred on the inner side of the elbow, compared to tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) where pain is centred on the outside of the elbow joint.
The condition itself is self-limiting and will heal itself over time, though recovery can take up to two years as with tennis elbow. Ice can be used to help manage any inflammation, though aside from this the best method of recovery is rest. If you do wish to carry on playing then a golfers elbow support can be worn, where a band is placed around the affected area to offer compression and support for the muscles. This both controls the inflammation and supports the tendons / muscles.
It is important to note that a golfers elbow support is the same as a tennis elbow support, you simply need to twist the band round so that compression can be focused on either the inside or outside of the elbow joint.
Back Injuries
Lower back complaints account for around 20% of all golf injuries sustained, with the area susceptible from injury due to the continued twisting motion a player makes when taking a shot. As players put more and more power into their shots the risk of injury is increased as it is the lower back which is responsible for a player being able to perform a fluid and flawless swing.
The majority of lumbar complaints are self-limiting and whilst they can be painful and limit overall mobility will get better following rest. Physiotherapy is sometimes an option to help strengthen the muscles in the lumbar region and help with the forces being put through the area when playing golf.
Wrist Injuries
A number of different wrist complaints can occur from playing golf, all of which are typical of overuse injuries. The most common is that of tendonitis, where a person may experience pain and inflammation of their tendon, which are strong bands of tissue attaching your muscles to your bones.
The pain itself is typically as a result of small tears within the surrounding tissue or from the overall degradation of the tendon itself. It can lead to a weakened joint and will often require Physiotherapy to help strengthen the joint. Whilst in golf the wrist should not be used to add power to a shot, it is sometimes an injury which occurs and can inhibit a player’s ability.
A wrist support can be used during play to offering additional support to the joint whilst helping to manage any inflammation as a result of the injury and allow you to complete your round.
Shoulder Injuries
Injuries to the muscles and tendons within the shoulder region can vary in their severity, from a minor sprain or strain to a full rupture of a muscle or tendon requiring surgery to repair. The shoulder region and the rotator cuff are very active during play, with injuries resulting from either overuse or a poor swing technique.
A poor technique can lead to injury as the swing motion may not be fluid, therefore the best way to prevent injury is to ensure that your swing is perfect. As with the majority of overuse injuries rest is important in allowing the affected area to heal and the inflammation to subside, though Physiotherapy may be used to help strengthen the muscles and tendons within the shoulder region.
Knee Injuries
The majority of knee injuries sustained when playing golf are as a result of the rotation of their knee joint as part of the overall swing. For right handed golfers, torque and valgus stress is generated on the left knee. Where a player may have tight back muscles or joints there is a tendency to place more power on a shot by placing additional stress on the knee joint leading to cartilidge (meniscus) injuries on the medial side.
Where a player has a tight hip, it can change the overall alignment of the knee joint which places more stress on the region and can lead to injuries occurring. Another common cause of knee injuries is the footwear worn by a player. Poorly supporting footwear over an 18 hole course can affect foot posture and affect the alignment of the knee joint . Over long distances this can be quite painful for the player and lead to injury.
Final Thoughts
Golf injuries are probably more common among leisure players than professionals, as playing once a week over 18 holes can place an enormous strain on different parts of the body. Regardless of where your injury is it is important to stop what you are doing and rest, as carrying on may cause further damage and lead to an even longer period of recovery.
If you are ever unsure as to the extent of an injury you should seek a professional diagnosis. In the acute stage you can use ice to help manage any inflammation or pain experienced and try and rest for a few days. Your rehabilitation may consider rest, the use of a sports brace, Physiotherapy or in more extreme cases surgery.
About the Author
Össur is a global leader in non-invasive orthopaedics that help people live a life without limitations. Our business is focused on improving people’s mobility through the delivery of innovative technologies that include advanced braces for osteoarthritis, supports, prosthetic limbs and compression therapy products. For more information on our the products please visit www.ossurwebshop.co.uk
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