Attention golfers! As summer draws to a close, we hope you’ve relished every moment on the golf course with friends and family. In honor of National Golf Month this August, we want to make sure you finish the season without any injuries. It might surprise you to learn that issues with the wrists and elbows are quite common among golfers of all levels, coming in just behind lower back problems. These injuries often stem from overuse, trauma, flawed swinging techniques, and the repetitive stress of regular play.
At FORM Hand Therapy in Fremont, we’re dedicated to helping you address any discomfort in your hands, wrists, or elbows. Don’t let pain keep you off the course— contact us to ensure you stay in top form and continue enjoying your best game without any unnecessary setbacks.
Common Golf Injuries to the Hand, Wrist, or Elbow
- Wrist Tendonitis: Tendonitis in the wrist is caused by inflammation of the tendons that connect the forearm to bones in your hand. This painful condition, resulting from repetitive strain or overuse, usually affects the leading hand and can cause discomfort on either the front or back of the wrist or forearm.
- Hamate Bone Fracture: This injury occurs when the club strikes the ground, forcing the handle to impact the hamate bone and cause a fracture. You’ll likely experience pain that intensifies with gripping, along with potential numbness and tingling in the ring and pinky fingers.
- Golfer’s Elbow: If you’re experiencing pain on the inner side of your elbow, you might be dealing with golfer’s elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis. This condition often results from repetitive golf swings, which can irritate the muscles and tendons, leading to ongoing discomfort and pain.
- Tennis Elbow: Medically known as lateral epicondylitis, this condition causes pain on the outer side of the elbow. While it is commonly linked to tennis, it can also affect golfers due to repeated strain on the lead arm from frequent swinging.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: As one of the most prevalent hand conditions, carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve in the wrist becomes compressed. This compression leads to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and wrist. Frequent and tight gripping of a golf club can contribute significantly to developing this condition.
Dealing With Any Of These Conditions? FORM Hand Therapy Can Help You!
Golf should be about enjoying the game, not battling pain! Fortunately, many of these common golf-related injuries can be treated successfully without surgery. If you experience discomfort before or after a day on the golf course, remember to apply the RICE method: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. This can help ease the pain and reduce any swelling.
If symptoms persist beyond a few weeks or if your pain intensifies, seek medical attention immediately to prevent chronic issues. The team at FORM Hand Therapy in Fremont is ready to provide the care you need. With prompt and effective treatment, you’ll be back on the course, enjoying golf to the fullest. Visit our site or call us at (510) 350-3030 to schedule your appointment today!
Sources: https://www.assh.org/handcare/condition/golf-injuries
