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GOLF

Golfers can get injured at the elbow, wrist, shoulder, knee and low back. Overuse, poor technique and poor fitness levels are usually the cause for injuries. Other factors include age, cart injuries, inadequate warm up and being struck by a ball.

Spine

The increased rotation and hyper-extension associated with the swing and follow-through lead to back problems like Lumbar strain, Disc prolapse and facet joint arthritis.

Elbow

Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) and Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) can occur in a golfer due to faulty techniques. While the former is due to the stress placed on the wrist flexors during acceleration and impact phases of the swing the latter is due to the eccentric overload of the wrist extensors during acceleration.

Hand and Wrist

Overuse injuries like De Quervain's synovitis ( Tenosynovitis of Extensor pollicis Brevis and Abuctor Pollicis Longus) are common. Fracture of the Hook of Hamate, usually due to forceful impact of the club onto a hard object. If conservative treatment fails, surgical treatment may be indicated.

Shoulders

Shoulders are prone to Impingement, ac joint problems, tendinitis and rotator cuff tears in the elderly. It is extremely important to have a good rotator cuff strength and a sound technique.

Other problems

Since most of the time of play is spent in the sun, it is important that the golfers protect their skin by clothing/sunscreens, to decrease the risk of skin cancer. Golfers can also suffer from Yips, which are convulsive twitches that may occur during putting as a result of intense concentration. Other accidents like being struck by a ball or a club are also likely to happen.