Common Foot & Ankle Injuries for Golfers

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Foot and ankle injuries that happen during golf activities can occur from traumatic events but are more likely to occur from overuse type injuries.  Golf motions motions, including practice swings, may be repeated 150-200 times, which is a lot of stress on the joints of the foot. Taking into consideration players who walk while golfing as well, the feet are truly doing a lot of work for a round of golf.

Below is a list of some common golf injuries along with a brief description of their cause and possible treatments:

Intermetatarsal Neuromas – neuromas are a fibrosis or scarring around a nerve, therefore causing nerve impingement and pain. The movements of pronation and the possible tightness of golf shoes may cause metatarsal bones to pinch the nerve, giving a sharp pain. Treatments include orthotics, injections, NSAID application, and possible surgical resection.

Tendonitis – multiple different types of tendonitis could be associated with golfing but one specifically is associated with the use of golf carts. For those individuals golfing multiple times, the constant strain of applying the breaks and getting out of the vehicle may put a strain on the muscles on top of the foot, resulting in tendonitis. Treatment for this condition is reserved to rest, and possible NSAID use.

Lateral Ankle Pain/ Ankle sprains – whenever the foot is placed in a supinated position, there is a chance for a lateral rollover injury, or ankle sprain. This chance is increased even more when there is a weight bearing situation or when the body is gliding over the ankle. This is the case during a golf swing.  Treatments include NSAID use, ankle braces, physical therapy, and possible surgery if ruptures occur

Subungual Hematomas – these injuries are associated with constant repetitive trauma on the nails. Blood can fill in under the nail, causing extreme amounts of pain. These injuries can be treating with watchful waiting as you let the nail fall off by itself, or the nail could be removed or drained if the pain is severe.

Imbalances in the feet may have a negative impact on a golfer’s game. It is critical to maintain proper foot alignment, because imbalanced lower limbs can leave golfers susceptible to swaying, which results in imprecise contact with the golf ball. Sturdy legs and strong posture increases the power of a golfer’s drive, allowing the ball to travel further.

Orthotic insoles allow the body of a golfer to establish a better point of contact with the ground when executing their golf swing. Orthotics stabilize the feet, evenly redistributing weight and correcting the entire posture of the body during a golf swing.  Learn more about how golf orthotics could be your Ace in the Hole:http://192.154.227.118/ntfoot/golf-orthotics.aspx