Golf injury and golf accident prevention tips

Many people believe that as golf is a relatively low-level physical activity where there is little risk of injury or accident.

This could not be further from the truth, as golf, is fairly demanding on the ankles, elbows, spine, knees, hips and wrists, which, without practicing necessary precautions, can result in an injury occurring in one, or even several of these areas. We concentrate on Golf injury and golf prevention tips below.

In fact, so common are golf-related injuries, that in 2009, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported that there were more than 55,000 visits to hospital emergency rooms due to golf injuries.

The most common types of golf injuries are golfer’s elbow and lower back pain. Golfer’s elbow is the leading injury golfers sustain and is essentially an inflammation of the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the elbow bone. Lower back pain is the second most common complaint amongst golfers and is usually caused by an inadequate swing, which places a significant amount of pressure on the spine to cause a problem.

There are several preventative measures that golfers can take to help decrease the chances of picking up an injury or be involved in an accident on the golf course.

Golf injury and golf prevention tips.

Stretching exercises

Before a round of golf always do some simple stretching exercises to prepare the muscles for the game. Focus on stretching your back, shoulders and legs and then take some practice shots on the driving range to stretch those muscles.

Drink plenty of water

Do not let yourself become dehydrated whilst playing golf, so always take a bottle of water with you on replace the lost fluids.

Sunscreen

It can get pretty hot on a golf course and even if you don’t think it is that sunny you can get burnt. Always wear plenty of high-protection sunscreen when playing golf in the summer months to protect your skin.

Golf cart safety

You would be surprised but one of the top golf-related accidents is caused by players having their ankles broken when they are riding in a golf cart. Always keep your feet firmly inside the cart to alleviate this risk.

Be aware of other players

Being hit by an airborne golf ball can cause injury and soft tissue damage. Always be aware of other players on the golf course.