Keep Golf Injuries from Sending You to the Clubhouse; Orthopaedic Surgeons Offer Tips to Minimize Golf-Related Injuries.

ROSEMONT, Ill. -- Swinging the club on the open green, hitting the perfect shot and playing in the warm sun are just a few things golfers love about hitting the links. Golfing can be a treat for both the mind and body. However, an injury to the bones, muscles or joints can cast a big shadow over the day. That is why the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) recommends following the proper techniques to prevent golf-related injuries.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were more than 102,000 golf-related injuries treated in doctors' offices, clinics and emergency rooms in 2004, which incurred a total cost of approximately $2.5 billion in medical, work-loss, pain and suffering and legal costs. Golfers most often suffer from hand tenderness or numbness; shoulder, back and knee pain; golfer's elbow; and wrist injuries, such as tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome.

"People often think of golf as a relatively safe, low-injury game," said Frank B. Kelly, MD, orthopaedic surgeon, and chair of AAOS' Communications Cabinet. "Golfers - especially beginners, who haven't learned proper techniques yet - are definitely prone to injuries. It's important for golfers to regularly participate in a muscle conditioning program to reduce the risk of common golf injuries, as well as increase flexibility and durability in their game."

Because orthopaedic surgeons not only treat, but try to prevent injuries of the bones, joints and muscles, the AAOS offers the following tips to help prevent golfing injuries:

--Newer golfers should take lessons and begin participating in the sport gradually.

--Practice on real turf instead of rubber mats, when possible.

--Dress for comfort and protection from the elements. Make sure to wear the appropriate golf shoes: ones with short cleats are best.

--Before going out to play, spend 5-10 minutes in the clubhouse stretching. Focus on the lower back, shoulders and forearms. It is also important to warm-up and stretch any other musculoskeletal problem areas.

--Help build your forearm muscles with exercises such as the following.

--  Squeeze a tennis ball for five minutes at a time.

        --  Perform wrist curls using a lightweight dumbbell. Lower
            the weight to the end of your fingers, curl the weight
            back into your palm, and then curl up your wrist to lift
            the weight an inch or two higher. Perform 10 repetitions
            with one arm, repeat with the other arm.

        --  Do reverse wrist curls with a lightweight dumbbell. Place
            your hands in front of you, palm side down. Using your
            wrist, lift the weight up and down. Hold the arm you are
            exercising above your elbow with your other hand to limit
            the motion to your forearm. Perform 10 repetitions with
            one arm, repeat with the other arm.

--Help minimize low back injuries - often caused by a poor swing - by performing these simple exercises to help strengthen lower back muscles:

--  Rowing: Firmly tie the ends of rubber tubing. Place it
            around an object that is shoulder height (like a door
            hinge). Standing with your arms straight out in front of
            you, grasp the tubing and slowly pull it toward your
            chest. Release slowly. Perform three sets of 10
            repetitions, at least three times a week.

        --  Pull-downs: With the rubber tubing still around the door
            hinge, kneel and hold the tubing over your head. Pull down
            slowly toward your chest, bending your elbows as you lower
            your arms. Raise the tubing slowly over your head. Perform
            three sets of 10 repetitions, at least three times a week.

--Use proper back mechanics while lifting your bag (bend through the knees).

--Do not hunch over the ball too much; it may predispose you to neck strain and rotator cuff tendinitis.

--Avoid golfer's elbow - which is caused by a strain of the muscles in the inside of the forearm - by performing wrist and forearm stretching exercises and not overemphasizing your wrists when swinging.

--Keep your pelvis as level as possible throughout the swing.

--Before you swing, look around -- including behind you -- to avoid inadvertently hitting objects or bystanders.

--If you are experiencing musculoskeletal problems, see an orthopaedic surgeon who can help diagnose and treat your condition. Also, check with a golf pro for lessons and a tune-up of your game, since many musculoskeletal problems with golf are rooted in technique issues.

--Avoid participating when experiencing pain or exhaustion. Take rest breaks and replenish fluids.

--Seek shade while waiting at the tee, when play has stopped or if you don't see your shadow. If your shadow is shorter than you, you're likely to burn.

--Wear waterproof sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15, a wide-brim hat that covers the face and ears, and sunglasses with UV protection.

--Heed caution when driving a golf cart and reduce speed for pedestrians, inclines and weather conditions. Keep hands, legs, feet and arms inside the confines of the golf cart when it is moving.

For additional injury prevention tips and information on golf and more, visit the Academy's public and patient education Web site, Your Orthopaedic Connection (www.orthoinfo.org), or call the public service line at 800-824-BONES.

An orthopaedic surgeon is a physician with extensive training in the diagnosis and non-surgical as well as surgical treatment of the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves.

With more than 29,000 members, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (www.aaos.org) or (www.orthoinfo.org) is the premier not-for-profit organization that provides education programs for orthopaedic surgeons and allied health professionals, champions the interests of patients and advances the highest quality musculoskeletal health. Orthopaedic surgeons and the Academy are the authoritative sources of information for patients and the general public on musculoskeletal conditions, treatments and related issues. An advocate for improved patient care, the Academy is participating in the Bone and Joint Decade (www.usbjd.org) - the global initiative in the years 2002-2011 - to raise awareness of musculoskeletal health, stimulate research and improve people's quality of life.

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