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The game of golf may seem like a leisurely weekend activity, but it is a real sport with real injury potential for its players, both young and old. While golf is generally a low impact sport, repeated motion of the swing and poor setup and posture can lead to a laundry list of injuries. However, practicing proper form and knowing what injuries to look out for can help your young golfer have a more productive and fun time on the green.

5 Common Golf Injuries for Youth Golfers

Golf injuries come from repetitive and overused motions. Considering players utilize the same stance and follow-through hole after hole, this makes sense. The following are the five most common injuries that youth golfers may encounter.

1. Elbow Injuries

   One of the most common golf injuries, golf elbow occurs when the inside of the elbow experiences inflammation where the muscles that flex the wrist meet.

2. Hand Injuries

   Excess swinging can lead to a tender and/or numb hand. The act of, and reverberation from, striking an object plays a part in this. It can be even more painful if a golfer slices into the ground or strikes a root.

3. Wrist Injuries

   Tendonitis and cartilage tears can develop in the wrist due to poor swinging technique and general overuse.

4. Hip and Knee Injuries

   Swinging at fast speeds can lead to torque in the hips and knees.

5. Back Injuries

   A good range of motion during swings and follow throughs can lessen the torque brought upon the back. The potential for a stress fracture is great here, so maintaining good swing posture is key to reduce a concerning back issue.

Golf Injury Prevention Tips

General warm-ups before playing can help prevent injury. There should be a focus on increasing circulation to the muscles and stretching the shoulders, back, hips, and legs. If possible, also take practice swings with a weighted club.

The majority of potential golf injuries develop over a long period of time; these will not crop up because of a single round. With this information, you can note the early signs of an injury and seek treatment before conditions worsen.

If your youth golfer’s injuries do get to that point, the expert treatment plans and surgical intervention options provided by the team of specialists and physicians at Orthopaedic Associates of St. Augustine can help get your golfer back up to par.

Treat Youth Golf Injuries at Orthopaedic Associates of St. Augustine

At Orthopaedic Associates of St. Augustine, we’re proud to play a role in helping patients of all ages regain mobility and get back to their daily routines. If your child has experienced any type of golf- or sports-related orthopaedic injury, our team is here to help. Please request an appointment online or give us a call today at 904-825-0540.

 

Casey McClone, MD
Board Certifications in Family Medicine and Sports Medicine. Dr. McClone specializes in treating musculoskeletal pain for patients of all ages with ultra-sound guided injections.