Golf may seem like a casual game, but even golf can cause athletic injuries if you’re not prepared. Many avid golfers are familiar with elbow pain and stiffness, which are hallmark signs of a common tendon injury called golfer’s elbow.
Golfing can lead to injuries of the elbow, back, knee, and shoulder, among others. Double board-certified pain management specialist Glenn M. Flanagan, MD, can help you prepare for a pain-free Spring golf season at Naples Regenerative Institute in Naples, Florida.
Follow these five steps to protect your elbows, shoulders, and other joints from golf-related injuries:
Stretching and warming up are essential before golf. Warming up prepares your body for physical activity by increasing blood circulation and literally warming your muscles, so they move more easily.
Be sure to stretch the body parts that are most prone to injury before you play. These include your:
Simple stretches and warm-up exercises are important for anyone, but especially those with arthritis. If you have arthritis, you might also benefit from taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) before you play to reduce joint inflammation.
Golf can make you break a sweat even if the outside temperature is still cool. It’s important to carry water with you while you play, and drink plenty of water before and after your golf rounds.
Proper hydration keeps your joints well-lubricated so they’re less stiff, tight, and prone to injuries. Plus, it helps you avoid dehydration, which can cause muscle cramping and fatigue.
Many people drink alcohol while golfing, but keep in mind that it can cause dehydration. Be sure to prioritize water and electrolyte-rich sports drinks while playing any sport.
Some golf injuries happen because of rogue balls, flying clubs, and golf cart mishaps.
You may be able to avoid these injuries by staying aware of your environment. Always look for other players and know where you’re standing. If you’re using a golf cart, drive carefully and keep your feet inside the cart.
Proper form can help you avoid painful soft tissue injuries to the shoulder, wrist, elbow, and back. You can improve your form by dedicating some time to practicing your golf swing. Dr. Flanagan is very knowledgeable (and slightly obsessed) about golf swing mechanics and enjoys helping his patients understand concepts that allow them to play with less pain.
While too much movement can cause overuse injuries, spending a small amount of time at the driving range could help you optimize your body mechanics while playing golf.
Because many golf injuries are overuse injuries, moderation is key to a pain-free spring golf season. If you start to feel stiffness, soreness, or discomfort, give yourself a few days off the course to heal and recover.
It’s important to listen to your body and know its limits, especially if you have past injuries or degenerative conditions like arthritis.
If you have musculoskeletal pain associated with playing golf, get in touch. Dr. Flanagan can recommend treatments that help you heal faster while reducing pain so you can get back to your favorite springtime activity.
Call Naples Regenerative Institute or request an appointment online today.
