common injuries of golf

Today, you have gotten an early start. You go out to your favorite 18 hole course with your ball and clubs. The birds are singing and there is a nice warm breeze; you have the whole course to yourself. You put your ball on the tee and take out your driver. With a nice hard whack, you propel the golf ball far away, in the fairway. When you catch up
with your ball, you take out your iron. A bird lands on your ball, but you shoo it away. You knock your ball very close to the hole. Now, you take out your putter, and gently plunk it into the hole. You have gotten the ball in 3 shots. You notice the par was 4, so you got a birdie. You are very happy. 1 down, 17 to go. This is golf.

Over 40,000 people every year get treated for golf related injuries. Did you know that, if you are a right-handed golfer you are more likely to have an injury in your left wrist, because a right -handed golfer puts more stress on the left wrist when the golfer swings his club? The majority of injuries are caused by overuse or bad technique.
Some injuries occur not from the sport but just from being on an open course. For example it is very dangerous to be on a golf course in a thunder storm you could be struck by lightning. Just being out in the sun all day can lead to sunburn and heat stroke.
The most common golf injuries include lower-back pain, sore elbows, tender wrists, painful shoulder (rotator cuffs) and aching knees. Many golf injuries involve strains, sprains, fractures, and tendonitis

1) Back Pain
Back pain is the most common complaint from golfers. The back is at risk for injury, because there is so much stress is put on the back when you hunch over to swing a golf club. Back pain in golfers may be caused by a disc problem, arthritis, or even by a stress fracture.

2) Golfer's Elbow
Golfer's elbow is an inflammation, soreness or pain on the inside of the upper arm near the elbow. Medial epicondylitis is the medical name for this injury. Often the golf swing causes this injury. Wrist flexors are the muscles of the forearm that pull the hand forward. When you keep using the same muscles over and over again they stress the forearm muscles and can cause symptoms of golfer's elbow.

Tendonitis
Tendonitis is one of the most common golf injuries usually affecting the elbow, shoulder, and wrist. Tendons are fibrous bands that connect muscles to bones. The most common type of tendon injury in golf is caused by simply pulling too hard on the tendon. After a while the tendon develops microscopic tears. The symptoms are swelling, tenderness and pain when the injured tendon is stressed.
Treatment is to let the tendon heal with anti-inflammatory medication, rest and the application of ice.

Shoulder Pain
Many golfers experience shoulder pain. This is usually due to muscle strain when the muscle is overstretched. Tendon tear can also cause shoulder pain. Another reason that you may have shoulder pain is overuse of the shoulder, or poor technique and weakness in the shoulder. Regular strengthening and exercise programs should help solve these problems.

Knee Pain
Knee pain in golfers can be caused by a lot of different conditions, for example them: a torn meniscus; knee arthritis (osteoarthritis), or kneecap pain (chondromalacia).
Trigger Finger
A trigger finger can cause a finger or fingers to lock up. It is called a trigger finger because it looks like your finger is ready to pull a trigger. The condition is caused by the restriction of the flexor tendon. Sometimes splints, taping and anti-inflammatory medication can help but if that is not successful then you may need surgery.


Prevention
- If your body part hurts give it a rest. Try to avoid overuse, (for example playing too long or practicing too aggressively)
- Warm up properly
- Use proper equipment
- Learn strengthening exercises as poor physical conditioning can contribute to injury.
- Learn proper techniques. Poor swing technique can lead to many injuries.
- Use caution during bad weather
- Dress for the weather. Use sunscreen, hats and insect spray especially if it is hot or at dusk.