Prevent Golf Injuries To Neck, Arms, Back & Legs
Have a Happy Golf Vacation By Avoiding Arm, Neck, Back, Knee Injury
Jun 11, 2009
Nothing can ruin a golf vacation or outing more than a back, arm, leg or neck injury. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 103,000 people were treated for golfing injuries in doctors’ offices, clinics and emergency rooms in 2007.
Those golfing injuries cost approximately $2.4 billion in medical bills, lost work and legal fees.
Golfing Injuries
According to Dr. David Van Eenenaam, an orthopedic surgeon in Watertown, New York, golfers most often suffer from:
- hand tenderness or numbness
- shoulder, back and knee pain
- golfer’s elbow
- wrist injuries including tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome
“The golf swing takes a lot of motion and looseness and flexibility and it’s very important to have that available before you go out and hit the ball,” said Dr. Van Eenenaam, who is also an avid golfer.
Tips for New Golfers
Many people take to the links thinking golf is a safe game that has a low risk of injury. However, newcomers to the sport are especially susceptible to injuries.
“A beginning golfer should get adequate instruction in the basics of the swing and the stance,” said Dr. Van Eenenaam.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers these additional tips:
- new golfers should participate in the sport gradually
- stretch wrist and forearm muscles
- don’t hunch over the ball too much because it could end up causing neck strain and rotator cuff tendonitis
- don’t overemphasize your wrists when swinging
- wear comfortable clothing and dress for the elements
- wear appropriate golf shoes - ones with short cleats are best
- practice your swing on real turf
“The practice surface that you use is important. It’s not good to hit off a hard mat because you’re more likely to stress your wrists or elbows if you have a bad swing and hit the mat first,” Dr. Van Eenenaam recommended.
Tips for Experienced Golfers
“The most important things that I would recommend would be stretching and strengthening exercises before you go out and play,” said Dr. Van Eenenaam. “You look at the professional golfer today, they spend a lot of time in strength and flexibility exercises and you can see the results when you watch them.”
After stretching your muscles, warm up by getting a bucket of golf balls and hitting them on the driving range.
Every time you tee up, take several practice swings before you drive the ball. Not only will it help your golf game, it will lower your risk of injury.
Helpful Exercises for All Golfers
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends some easy exercises to build up your forearm muscles to prevent golfer’s elbow:
- squeeze a tennis ball 5 minutes at a time for each hand
- do wrist curls with a lightweight dumbbell, palm up, 10 repetitions for each arm
- do reverse wrist curls with the same dumbbell, palm side down, 10 for each arm
Playing it Smart
Before beginning any exercise regimen, including the ones listed above, consult your doctor.
If you have suffered an injury from golf or any other sport, consult your medical professional.
Seeking help is nothing to be ashamed about - more than 50 percent of touring professionals have had to stop playing for periods of time because of injuries.
So, make the most of your time on the links by making sure injury prevention is part of the game.
 |
 |
