The Mid-Season Golf Injury You Shouldn’t Ignore
Why elbow pain can start to build after weeks of rounds, range time, and repeated swings.
The first few rounds of the golf season may have felt great. You were back enjoying the course, catching up with friends, and getting comfortable with your swing again.
By July, however, your arm has likely been through quite a bit. Regular rounds, practice sessions, and afternoons at the driving range can add up. If the inside of your elbow has started feeling sore or tender after you play, it may be more than the usual aches that come with a long day on the course.
It could be golfer’s elbow, an injury that often develops over time as the season goes on.
What Is Golfer’s Elbow?
Golfer’s elbow is soreness and irritation on the inside of the elbow, near the point where the forearm muscles attach.
You rely on those muscles every time you grip the club, bend your wrist, or guide the club through your swing. When the same motions are repeated round after round, the area can become irritated and painful.
Similar pain can develop from yardwork, weightlifting, or any activity that involves frequent gripping and wrist movement.
Why Golfer’s Elbow Often Shows Up Mid-Season
Most players experience golfers’ elbow after several weeks of activity.
You may start the season slowly and then find yourself playing two or three times a week once the weather improves. You might also spend more time at the range, take a lesson or work on a new swing. Even positive changes can put stress on parts of the arm that are not used to that much activity.
How you hold and swing the club can matter too. Gripping too tightly, striking the ground repeatedly or playing with clubs that do not fit properly can make the inside of the elbow work harder.
The soreness may be easy to brush off at first. It might only bother you after a round or while carrying your bag to the car. As the season continues, you may notice the pain earlier in the day or during routine activities at home.
Common Symptoms
Golfer’s elbow often begins as a mild ache rather than sudden, severe pain.
Common signs include:
- Pain or tenderness on the inside of the elbow
- Soreness that extends into the forearm
- Stiffness after playing or practicing
- A weaker grip
- Pain when bending the wrist, twisting the arm, or making a fist
You may feel it during your swing, but golf is not always when the pain is most noticeable. Opening a jar, shaking someone’s hand, picking up a bag, or turning a doorknob may also become uncomfortable.
When Should You See an Orthopedic Specialist?
Minor soreness after a long round may settle down after a few days of rest. If the pain keeps returning every time you play, lasts longer than it used to, or begins affecting everyday tasks, it is worth having it evaluated.
If you notice ongoing pain, weakness, swelling, numbness, tingling, or difficulty moving your elbow, wrist, or hand, schedule an appointment with an OrthoIllinois hand specialist. Early evaluation may prevent you from spending the rest of the season adjusting your swing or avoiding the course altogether.
