Golf, while often perceived as low-impact, is a highly repetitive and rotational sport that places significant asymmetrical stress on the body. The complex, forceful, and unilateral nature of the golf swing can lead to a variety of chronic overuse injuries, primarily affecting the back, elbow, and wrist.

Trunk and Back Injuries

The lower back is the most frequently injured area in golf due to the high-velocity torsional forces generated during the swing.

Low Back Pain

This is the number one complaint among golfers, often stemming from poor technique, inadequate core strength, and the repetitive rotation of the swing.

• Mechanism: Repeated rotational stress, poor hip-shoulder separation, and a reverse spine angle can compress the spinal discs and strain muscles.
• Symptoms: Chronic or acute pain in the lumbar region, often aggravated by swinging or bending.
• Prevention: Strengthen the core muscles (abdomen and lower back) and improve hip and thoracic spine mobility.

Upper Extremity Injuries

The high-speed, repetitive movement of the golf swing and the impact with the ball put considerable strain on the elbow, wrist, and hand.

Elbow Injuries

The elbow is vulnerable due to the strong gripping and forearm rotation required.

Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

This is an overuse injury causing pain on the inside of the elbow, which is common in golf due to the strong wrist flexion and forearm pronation during the swing, particularly in the lead arm for right-handed players.

• Mechanism: Overuse of the wrist flexor and forearm muscles used to grip the club and during the downswing.
• Treatment: Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medication, and stretching exercises.

Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

While less common than Golfer's Elbow, this involves pain on the outside of the elbow. In golf, it typically affects the trail arm (the right arm for a right-handed player) due to forced extension at impact.

Wrist and Hand Injuries

The impact forces transferred from the clubhead to the grip can injure the small bones and tendons of the wrist.

• Tendinitis: Inflammation of the flexor or extensor tendons in the wrist due to repetitive gripping and club deceleration.
• Hook of the Hamate Fracture: A less common, but serious injury, where impact or trauma can fracture a small bone in the wrist.

Lower Extremity Injuries

Although the feet and legs are the power source, they are subjected to less frequent acute injuries than the back and arms.

Knee Injuries

The non-weight bearing, trailing knee is subjected to torsional stress.

• Meniscus Tear or Ligament Strain: Can occur in the leading knee due to rapid pivoting and weight shift, or in the trailing knee due to hyperextension during the follow-through.

Foot and Ankle Injuries

Repetitive loading and stability needs can cause inflammation.

• Plantar Fasciitis: Heel pain caused by inflammation of the tissue running across the bottom of the foot, often due to poor foot mechanics or improper footwear.

Injury Prevention Strategies

Implementing a structured pre-round routine and year-round conditioning program can dramatically reduce the risk of injury.

1. Proper Warm-up: Execute dynamic stretching, focusing on the back, shoulders, and hips, for at least 10 minutes before every round or practice session.
2. Strength and Conditioning: Maintain a consistent fitness routine focused on core strength, rotational power, and flexibility.
3. Technique Evaluation: Consult a qualified professional to assess and correct swing faults that place excessive stress on vulnerable areas.
4. Listen to Your Body: Do not "play through" pain. Persistent pain should be evaluated by a medical professional.