Common Golf Injuries
The most common golf injuries occur in the lower back, elbows, shoulders, hands and wrists, and are generally defined as either cumulative (overuse) or acute (traumatic) injuries.
Low Back Sprain and Strain
Sprains and strains are the most common causes of low back pain. The ligaments of the low back act to interconnect the five vertebral bones and provide support or stability for the low back. A sprain of the low back can occur when a sudden, forceful movement injures a ligament which has become stiff or weak through poor conditioning or overuse.
Most low back pain can be safely and effectively treated following an examination by the orthopedic surgeon and a prescribed period of activity modification and some medication to relieve the pain and diminish the inflammation. Most low back pain, whether acute or chronic, almost always can be treated without surgery. The most common reason for surgery on the lower back is to remove the pressure from a “slipped disk” when it causes nerve and leg pain and has not responded to other treatments.
Tendinitis of the Shoulder
The tendons of the rotator cuff or the tendons of the biceps become inflamed and irritated. This is often a result of being pinched by surrounding structures. This injury can be mild or severe. When the rotator cuff tendon becomes inflamed and thickened, it may get trapped under the acromion (the top of the shoulder blade). Bursitis of the shoulder occurs when there is inflammation of the fluid-filled sac called the bursa that lies between a tendon and skin, or between a tendon and bone. Signs of these conditions include slow onset of pain in the upper shoulder or upper arm and difficulty sleeping on the shoulder.
If tendinitis involves the biceps tendon (the tendon located in front of the shoulder that helps bend the elbow and turn the forearm), pain in the front or side of the shoulder is common and may travel down to the elbow and forearm. Treatment includes rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medicines. In some cases physical therapy is prescribed.
Medial Epicondylitis
It is also referred to as ‘golfer’s elbow’ and is considered a cumulative trauma injury. Pain on the inside of the elbow, usually during or after intense use, usually indicates medial epicondylitis. Because this occurs often in golfers it has become known as ‘golfer’s elbow’. It is thought that overuse of the wrist extensors creates cumulative stress, and small tears in the tendon. This causes inflammation and pain. As the tendon repairs, scar tissue may form.
Using the RICE method (rest, ice, compression and elevation) of acute injury treatment is extremely helpful to reduce pain and swelling. Icing the elbow for 10-15 minutes at a time will decrease the inflammation and swelling and relieve pain. Wrapping the forearm near the elbow may help protect the injured muscles as they are healing.
Wrist Pain
A wrist sprain typically causes pain, tenderness, and swelling over the wrist after a fall. It will be red, tender and warm to the touch. There may be bruising, decreased range of motion, and a dull deep ache in the wrist. Fracture to the scaphoid bone in the wrist can be fairly serious if not treated properly. RICE is the first line treatment of a sprained wrist.
Source: About.com