A surprising cause of golf injuries

It was my club’s fault!

Ever heard that one in your foursome? It’s a sigh-worthy refrain, typically. We’re here to defend it.

True, blaming our equipment for a poor golf game or golf shot can be a cop-out. Most golfers understand the more likely cause of a bad shot, poor score, or high handicap is the golfer’s own ability, the quality of their swing, and their on-course decisions.

But when it comes to golf-related injury? Equipment can play a key role.

Many golfers reside in Bergen County, New Jersey, where Dr. Saurabh Dang, a double board-certified pain management specialist, treats patients at Hudson Pain and Spine.

During the golf season in particular, Dr. Dang receives plenty of golfers with back, knee, shoulder, and elbow pain. Some of those injuries can, believe it or not, be traced back to the golfer’s bag.

Poor technique can lead to injury, of course. Bad posture, lack of stability, and improper swing mechanics. But poor technique isn’t always the golfer’s fault. Sometimes it’s caused by our tools.

Equipment is the hidden cause of golf injury that hardly anyone thinks about.

Are your golf clubs causing you injury?

Your clubs should fit your body, not the other way around. Ever heard of fitted clubs? Many of us think of club fittings as necessary only for low-handicap players. At my level, it won’t make a difference, we say. And perhaps that’s true in the sense of your overall ability. But ill-fitting clubs can force you to alter your swing mechanics, and altering your swing mechanics can put undue strain on your joints and muscles over time.

Reframe: Consider fitted clubs a preventive measure for your body - not a privilege designed only for the game’s better players.

Are your golf shoes causing you injury?

If you walk the course, you’re likely taking more than 10,000 steps (Mayo Clinic Proceedings golf step-count study). Plantar fasciitis becomes more likely if your shoes aren’t affording you the stability and cushioning your feet need (Cleveland Clinic: Plantar Fasciitis causes). Shoes without enough lateral support can affect your swing’s weight transfer, causing your feet to slide or forcing your ankles and lower back to overcompensate. Golf shoes that are too tight or too loose can send nerve pain shooting through the balls of the feet.

Reframe: Think of your golf shoes like your snow tires; they give you grip where you need it most and are not something to skimp on.

Is your golf bag causing you injury?

Yes, even your golf bag can cause injury! Obviously, we’re talking here mostly about hoofers - those that walk and carry their bag for 18 holes. The risk of strain for carriers is elevated if you only have one strap rather than two, because you’ll be loading all the bag’s weight on just one side of your body. The same is true if you pack too much on one side of the bag. Clean out your bag often to keep it light, and try and distribute the weight evenly throughout the pockets. Bonus: Use good form as you lift your golf bag in and out of the trunk. Lift with your legs in a smooth, controlled movement.

Reframe: Your golf bag isn’t a summer-long storage unit. Pay close attention to what you stock and how you pack it to make it as easy a carry as possible.

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.