ptspin
by Scott Higgs
weird golf injuries: simple “steps” to
cruise through summer
Higgs
18
Knee replacement from stepping out of a
bunker? That’s right, these kinds of injuries
and other injuries are worth making a note
of and are bound to happen if we do not take
pay attention to our surroundings. This issue
is about “JUNEior” camps so we are going to
talk about the “little” things that can happen
that can cause severe pain while playing a
round of golf.
I had a patient who tore his meniscus
trying to lift himself out of a bunker on one
leg. There is a simple way to avoid this injury.
When entering and exiting a bunker, take the
low side. This will ensure the least amount of
pressure on the knees. There are less severe
instances that may cause acute pain as well as
those that can be chronic and more extensive.
We always talk about stretching the back
and arms to loosen up the body, but how
about the ankles, calves and fingers? The
most injuries that come through the office
that are from golf related injuries are from
the golfers who have not played in a while
and did not stretch prior to the round.
Staying in a conditioned routine, whether
it is a daily, weekly, or monthly goal, will help
strengthen the muscles around the weaker
parts of the body. Conditioning can include
walking, running, yoga, or even just waking
up and stretching in the morning before
work.
It is important to stay fit. Fit people are
far less susceptible to minor injuries such as
strains and pulls of muscles, but they are
more susceptible to dynamic injuries like
fractures and broken bones because they are
more likely to test their abilities. Unfit people
tend to always have minor injuries bothering
them and are in and out with acute pain all
over the body.
The golf swing is particularly guilty for
causing unexpected injuries. This “relaxing”
sport can certainly put stress on underutilized
or under-strengthened body parts. And for
the pros, overutilization and overworked
muscles and joints.
The body must be stable and not flailing
to a side when swinging a golf club. You
never see the pros move an inch, unless of
course, they are trying to hit the shot of their
life … which amateurs might try more often
because they are more susceptible to hitting
a bad shot.
Stay upright and balanced. It is much easier
than you think to turn an ankle when taking
the extra step because of weight transfer and
watching the ball. Every time you approach
your shot, clear all the debris next to the golf
ball and acknowledge the roots that are in the
ground.
We also live in the south which may make
it very difficult to go outside for a run in the
summer. Overheating is a big problem on the
golf course. Make sure to get your fluids in
and not just drink alcoholic beverages. This
will make an enjoyable day on the course
turn into a life threatening situation.
To go along with the hydration factor, the
sun poses a possibly more dangerous threat
with its radiation. Sunscreen is a necessity
even for the people with darker skin.
Radiation still seeps through the skin if there
is no protective layer, sunscreen or clothing,
defending on the outer part of the skin. An
average golf round lasts four hours, and that
can lead to a very uncomfortable next few
weeks and more importantly potential to lead
to cancer.
Nevertheless, more stability, hydration,
sunscreen and stretching will lead to less
injuries on the golf course. Get the score lower,
but do not put yourself in a more dangerous
situation by attempting to do too much with
a difficult shot. If you must take a risky shot,
make sure that you are properly stretched so
that no freak injuries occur. Lastly, make sure
to hydrate and lather up the sunscreen for a
hot and humid summer.