Why Do My Wrists Hurt After Golfing?

Wrist pain is a common issue among golfers, regardless of whether you’re an amateur or professional player. The repetitive swinging motion and impact of hitting the ball can cause various wrist injuries and pain or discomfort that builds over time. For many golfers, wrist pain impacts everyday activities as well as performance on the fairway.

Understanding the underlying causes of wrist pain in golfers is important for preventing long-term damage and enhancing overall performance. By addressing these issues proactively and early on, you can maintain your passion for the sport while protecting your wrist health. This article looks at the common causes of wrist pain in golfers, including symptoms, preventative tips, treatment options, and when to see a specialist.

Common Causes of Wrist Pain in Golfers

photo of man swinging golf driver by Courtney Cook is licensed with Unsplash License

Studies reveal that up to 20% of all injuries in amateur golfers and up to 27% of all injuries in professionals involve the wrist. Wrist pain in golfers can stem from several factors related to the physical demands and mechanics of the sport. Overuse is a common concern, as the repetitive swinging motion can put a significant amount of strain on your wrist.

Improper technique, including grip and swing mechanics, can exacerbate the risk of wrist injuries. The impact forces generated during your golf swing can cause conditions such as tendinitis, where the tendons become inflamed from repetitive stress. Carpal tunnel syndrome is another common condition that may develop because of the compression of the median nerve in the wrist. Repetitive movements from golf swings can make this condition worse.

Symptoms To Watch Out For

Watch out for the following symptoms that may indicate potential wrist issues. Early recognition can prevent these conditions from getting worse. Here are some common signs and symptoms:

• Pain: This can vary from sharp and stabbing to dull and persistent pain, depending on the underlying cause. Sharp pain can suggest an acute injury such as a fracture or sprain, while dull, throbbing pain may indicate an overuse injury such as tendinitis or carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Swelling: Swelling around the wrist joint is common due to inflammation from an injury or repetitive stress. You may also notice that your hand or wrist is warm and tender to the touch.
• Reduced range of motion: You may notice stiffness or have difficulty moving your wrist through its full range of motion. This limitation can make it difficult to grip the club properly and execute effective swings.

These symptoms can make it challenging to hold objects such as a golf club, type on a laptop, or even grip a cup of coffee. Recognizing these symptoms early on allows you to take proactive steps in addressing any potential wrist issues. Seeking medical evaluation from a health care professional specializing in sports injuries or hand and wrist conditions at The Hand and Wrist Institute is important to ensure an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Prompt treatment can help alleviate pain, restore wrist function, and prevent further complications.

Preventing Wrist Pain After Golfing

Golf may seem like a leisurely sport, but it can put a lot of strain on your body — especially if your body isn’t ready for or used to these motions. To prevent wrist pain from golfing, make sure that you warm up properly before you play. Focus on strength training exercises for the wrists and forearms using weights before you hit the greens, and ensure that you use correct swing mechanics during the game.

Begin each session with dynamic stretches and exercises that target wrist flexibility and forearm strength. Practice these between swings as you move through the course. Focus on maintaining a balanced grip and smooth swing to reduce strain on your wrists. Adequate rest and recovery between sessions is also important for preventing overuse injuries. Upgrading to lighter golf clubs can also reduce some of the pressure on your arms, hands, and wrists.

Treatment Options

There are various treatment options for golfers with wrist pain, but we always aim to start with non-surgical approaches. Focus on rest and modifying activities to give your wrist a chance to heal. Physical therapy can treat golfing wrist pain with exercises to strengthen and stretch your wrist. Manual therapy helps reduce pain and improve function, while ultrasound therapy can promote tissue healing.

Medications such as NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) and topical analgesics can help reduce inflammation and pain. Wrist supports, such as braces or splints, help stabilize the wrists and reduce strain while they recover. If these conservative treatments aren’t effective, or if the pain is severe and persistent, it may be necessary to perform imaging studies such as X-rays or MRIs to diagnose underlying issues. We may consider surgical options, including tendon repair or arthroscopy, for conditions such as severe tendonitis or fractures.

When To See a Specialist

Consult a specialist for wrist pain when you have persistent discomfort despite rest and conservative treatments, severe pain that limits daily activities or golf performance, or significant swelling or bruising. Early diagnosis and treatment help prevent further complications such as chronic pain or permanent damage. Specialists, such as orthopedic surgeons, can assess and treat structural issues, and physical therapists can design rehabilitation programs for managing wrist pain. Taking care of your wrist pain with professional guidance ensures you receive appropriate treatment, which can speed up recovery and your return to the sport.

Take Control of Your Golf Game With The Hand and Wrist Institute

Wrist pain is a common issue among golfers, often caused by repetitive strain on the wrists. Treatment options range from non-surgical methods, such as rest, physical therapy, medications, and wrist supports, to surgery for more severe cases.  Consult a specialist, such as an orthopedic surgeon or physical therapist, when you have persistent, severe pain or significant swelling. This ensures early diagnosis, effective treatment, and helps prevent further complications. Visit us at The Hand and Wrist Institute for expert advice and comprehensive treatment options. Schedule a consultation today, or read more about golfing injuries on our website.

Dr. John Knight

Dr. Knight is a renowned hand, wrist and upper extremity surgeon with over 25 years of experience. Dr. Knight is a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon and Fellowship trained. Dr Knight has appeared on CNN, The Doctors TV, Good Morning America, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Forbes, The Huffington Post, Entrepreneur, Oxygen network and more.