Avoid Golf and Tennis Overuse Injuries

Dr. Chris Healy, orthopedic hand and wrist surgeon at The Center, describes how to prevent common overuse injuries in golf and tennis.
To prevent common overuse injuries in golf and tennis, it is important to focus on proper technique, adequate rest and recovery, and targeted strength and flexibility training. In both sports, the repetitive motions and high-intensity nature can put stress on specific areas of the body, leading to overuse injuries.
Some of the most common hand and upper extremity orthopedic injuries in golf and tennis include:
1. Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis): This is an overuse injury that affects the tendons on the inside of the elbow. It is caused by repetitive wrist and forearm movements, such as the golf swing or tennis backhand.
2. Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): Similar to golfer's elbow, this condition affects the tendons on the outside of the elbow. It is caused by repetitive motions of the wrist and forearm, commonly seen in the tennis forehand stroke.
3. Rotator Cuff Tendonitis: In both golf and tennis, the rotator cuff can be strained due to the repetitive nature of swinging motions. Tendonitis in the rotator cuff causes shoulder pain and discomfort.
4. Wrist Tendinitis: The repetitive impact and forceful wrist motions in both golf and tennis can lead to tendinitis in the wrist. This can cause pain, swelling, and limited range of motion.
It's important to note that the severity and frequency of these injuries may vary depending on factors such as individual technique, fitness level, and overall conditioning. Seeking professional advice and taking preventative measures can significantly reduce the risk of these common orthopedic injuries.