Awareness of common golf injuries

You don’t have to play on the PGA Tour to incur a golf-related injury.

Sports injuries in general and golf injuries in particular are common in casual athletes, known as weekend warriors in golf (AAOS overview of golf injuries).

Bergen County in northeast New Jersey is where Dr. Saurabh Dang frequently treats sports injuries at Hudson Pain and Spine. Due to Bergen County’s cold, damp winters, many residents develop stiff joints and muscles largely staying indoors for months at a time. When they finally head back outdoors in the spring and summer, they are at a greater risk of injury.

Dr. Dang is a double board-certified pain management specialist who has seen and treated all sorts of golf injuries. He has seen injuries to muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage resulting from sudden injury suffered on one swing or developed over time due to repeated strain.

Why do these repeated-strain injuries happen?

Typically overuse, improper form, or poor conditioning.

What kinds of golf injuries specifically are we talking about?

Here are some examples.

Lower back: Your body is subject to repetitive twisting all over the golf course. You make aggressive rotations on every swing, and that can strain the muscles, ligaments, and joints of the lumbar spine, especially if your motion is a little off. Many golfers report muscle spasms, facet joint pain, or even herniated discs.

Knee joints: The transfer of weight from your trail to your lead side puts immense pressure on your knees. That’s why meniscus tears and ligament sprains are common among frequent players.

Shoulder: The shoulder turn is a crucial part of the backswing; it contributes heavily to the speed you’re able to generate through impact. As you take the club overhead, the rotator cuff tendons pinch, and your lead shoulder can impinge, leading to pain and inflammation.

Elbow: In particular, the trail elbow, which is where many players develop medial epicondylitis, known as golfer’s elbow. Surprisingly, this doesn’t come from the swing itself, rather the repetitive act of gripping the club (Mayo Clinic: Golfer’s elbow causes).

I hurt myself on the golf course. How soon should I see Dr. Dang?

“I would have come sooner, Dr. Dang, but I had another tee time the next morning!”

The correct answer? Right away!

Early evaluation is the best way to prevent further injury and promote faster healing. Missing a scheduled golf game can sting… but it’s better than missing a month or more. Minor strains and aches that persist over days can turn into chronic issues - and that’s what we want to prevent. Seek a professional assessment as soon as you can following your injury.

How can I prevent future injuries?

Many athletes that recover from a golf injury return to the course reticent about hurting themselves again. We recommend taking proactive measures like strengthening and flexibility exercises that build a more resilient body. Dr. Dang can develop a personalized prevention and recovery program for you.

The bottom line: don’t wait for an injury to act on! Get yourself in a healthy state to give yourself the best chance at preventing injury from happening in the first place.

When to see a specialist

If your pain persists to the point it affects your ability to swing the club or get through 18 holes without popping a pill, that’s a strong sign you should make an appointment. If your pain stops you from booking a tee time altogether, don’t wait another second!

Dr. Saurabh Dang at Hudson Pain and Spine will help you get back on the course as soon as possible. Dr. Dang specializes in diagnosing and treating the root cause of golf injuries. He’ll help you understand why you’re in pain and develop a personalized treatment plan to get you back to full health and full swings.