Jackson Reid
Golf is a sport that can put a lot of stress on the hands and wrists, with hand and wrist injuries being the third most common type of injury in the sport, after the back and elbow. There are many reasons why your hands might hurt after a game of golf, including gripping the club too tightly, poor swing mechanics, or overuse. However, it is also possible to develop more serious conditions such as Hypothenar Hammer Syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, or tendonitis.
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What You'll Learn
Hand pain caused by holding the club wrong
While golf is a beloved sport for many, it can also be a source of hand pain for some players, especially when they are new to the game. One of the main causes of hand pain in golf is holding the club with an incorrect grip or holding it too tightly. This can lead to various injuries and conditions that cause discomfort.
One such injury is a fracture of the hook of the hamate, a small bone in the wrist. When the club strikes the ground with force, the handle can cross over the bony hook, resulting in a fracture. This injury may cause pain in the palm, near the little finger, and can also lead to numbness and tingling in the ring and little fingers due to irritation of the ulnar nerve.
Another condition that can arise from an improper grip is carpal tunnel syndrome. Contrary to popular belief, this condition is not unique to desk workers and can also develop in golfers due to repeated stress on the wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and wrist.
Additionally, golfers may experience Hypothenar Hammer Syndrome, an injury to one of the main arteries in the hand. Repeated striking of the golf ball weakens the vessel wall, causing it to enlarge or clot. This can result in pain in the palm, as well as fingertip pain, discoloration, and numbness due to disrupted blood flow to the fingertips.
To prevent hand pain caused by holding the club incorrectly, it is important to focus on grip pressure and technique. Holding the club as if it were a tube of toothpaste or a small bird can help prevent gripping it too tightly. Experimenting with different grip sizes can also aid in finding a comfortable hold. By making these adjustments, golfers can reduce the likelihood of experiencing hand pain and related injuries.
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Hypothenar Hammer Syndrome
Hand pain is a common complaint among golfers, and there can be many causes. One possible cause is Hypothenar Hammer Syndrome, an injury to one of the main arteries in the hand, which can occur when repeated striking of the palm weakens the vessel wall. This injury can cause pain in the palm and fingertips, as well as disrupt blood flow to the fingers, resulting in fingertip pain, discoloration, and numbness.
The treatment for Hypothenar Hammer Syndrome includes both non-surgical options and hand surgery. Non-surgical treatments may include the use of a platelet aggregation inhibitor or a calcium channel blocker, as well as physical therapy and muscle strengthening exercises. In some cases, surgery may be recommended to repair the damaged blood vessels.
It is important to note that hand pain in golfers can also be caused by other factors, such as improper grip, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, or fractures. Golfers should be mindful of their grip pressure and technique to avoid injuries. Additionally, seeking professional advice and treatment for persistent or severe hand pain is recommended.
To summarise, Hypothenar Hammer Syndrome is a potential cause of hand pain in golfers, resulting from repeated striking of the palm and causing injury to the ulnar artery. Treatment options include non-surgical and surgical interventions, and golfers should be cautious of their technique to prevent such injuries.
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Tendon inflammation
Golfers who play too aggressively or too frequently can develop wrist tendonitis, which is similar to medial epicondylitis (golfer's elbow). This occurs when tendons in the area become irritated, causing pain on the inside of the elbow. This is often treated with anti-inflammatory medications, but in some cases, steroid injections may be required.
Another common injury is Hypothenar Hammer Syndrome, which is caused by repeated striking of the palm of the hand, weakening the vessel wall. This can cause pain in the palm, as well as disrupt blood flow to the fingertips, resulting in fingertip pain, discoloration, and numbness.
To prevent tendon inflammation, golfers can focus on strengthening their upper body and core muscles, improving swing mechanics, and ensuring they warm up and stretch adequately before playing.
If you are experiencing pain, it is important to seek professional help. A doctor may recommend physical therapy or, in more severe cases, surgery may be required to repair damaged tendons.
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Golfing can lead to hand and wrist pain due to various reasons, one of them being Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). This condition is often associated with people who work at desks and type, but golfers are also prone to developing CTS due to the repetitive motions involved in swinging a club, gripping tightly during drives, and striking the ground with force. These actions can cause inflammation in the wrist and hand, resulting in compression of the median nerve, which causes pain and affects performance.
The carpal tunnel is a narrow, rigid passageway located on the palm side of the wrist, which does not have much room for expansion. When swelling occurs due to overuse, injury, or anatomical predisposition, the median nerve becomes compressed, leading to the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Golfers are particularly susceptible to carpal tunnel issues because the tunnel is subjected to repetitive motion, grip stress, and vibration transfer, which can injure the surrounding tissues and tendons.
The symptoms of CTS include tingling fingers, numb hands, an aching thumb, or wrist pain. Treatment options for CTS include stretching exercises, adjusting grip and swing techniques, resting hands between golf games, and avoiding playing through the pain. In more severe cases, surgery may be required, but many golfers prefer to explore non-invasive options first, such as orthobiologic procedures, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, prolotherapy, and nerve hydrodissection.
To prevent CTS, golfers can ensure they are using appropriately fitted golf clubs, rest their hands between games, and avoid playing through pain. Early detection and treatment of mild symptoms can be effective in reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
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Elbow injuries
Golfers often experience elbow injuries due to the repetitive nature of the sport. The elbow is the second most common body region injured, after the wrist and hand.
Golfer's Elbow
Golfer's elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is an overuse injury that occurs when the tendons connecting the muscles of the forearm to the bone on the inside of the elbow joint become inflamed. This inflammation is caused by repeated strenuous arm movements involving wrist flexion, forearm pronation, or gripping. It is important to note that golfer's elbow is a misleading name as it can occur in anyone who engages in repetitive gripping activities and is not exclusive to golfers. Symptoms include pain from the elbow to the wrist on the inside (medial side) of the elbow, specifically along the palm side of the forearm.
Treatment and Prevention
The treatment options for golfer's elbow include rest, physical therapy involving muscle stretching and strengthening exercises, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. In more severe cases, cortisone injections or surgery may be recommended.
To prevent golfer's elbow, it is crucial to minimize the load and stress placed on the elbow and wrist. This can be achieved by using proper equipment, maintaining a proper swing form, and gradually increasing the intensity of the activity. Additionally, grip size can impact elbow mechanics, so adjusting the grip position or using oversized, soft grips can help reduce compressive forces and pressure on the elbow.
Other Elbow Injuries
In addition to golfer's elbow, golfers may also experience lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow, which affects the tendons on the outside of the elbow joint. This injury is also caused by repeated strain to the lead arm, similar to hitting backhands in tennis.
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Frequently asked questions
Hand pain after playing golf can be caused by a number of factors, including gripping the club too tightly, incorrect grip technique, or striking the ground too hard. It is also possible to develop carpal tunnel syndrome from golfing.
There is no "right" way to hold a golf club, but you should experiment with different grips to find what feels comfortable for you. It is important to only grip the club as hard as you need to prevent it from flying out of your hands.
Some common golf-related hand and wrist injuries include tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, sprains, fractures, and nerve damage.
Treatment for hand and wrist pain caused by golf can include rest, physical therapy, muscle stretching and strengthening exercises, and anti-inflammatory medications. In some cases, cortisone injections or surgery may be recommended.
To prevent hand and wrist injuries, it is important to use a grip that fits your hand comfortably and to hold the club correctly, with a soft grip and easy swing. You should also be cautious when driving golf carts to avoid accidents that can cause serious injuries.
