Golf Injuries: How Medical Imaging Can Help

If you’re an avid golfer, nothing is more frustrating than having an injury that keeps you off the greens. Many golf injuries happen over time due to overuse of certain muscles, while some can occur suddenly due to incorrect technique. No matter the cause, imaging can help your doctor determine the best course of treatment to get you back on the course as quickly as possible.

Common golf injuries

Golfing can cause many different types of injuries. The most common ailment doctors see in golfers is lower back pain. Swing mechanics play a major role in developing lower back pain. The force of a golf swing and repetitive movements can lead to muscle strains and disk injuries. Improper technique and a golfer’s range of motion can also cause the spine to bend excessively and put additional stress on lumbar muscles.

Areas of the body where golfers commonly face injuries include:

• Wrist: A sprained wrist can occur from overuse or when a golfer swings and hits the ground instead of the ball. Another common wrist injury is tendinitis, which can happen in the front or back of the wrist, because of overuse of the tendon.
• Elbow: The repeated motion of swinging a golf club can gradually cause the tendons on the inside of the elbow to become inflamed. Using an incorrect grip on the club can also trigger pain in this area.
• Hand: When a golf club handle digs into your hand, a blood vessel underneath the muscle on the outside of the palm can weaken over time. This can disrupt blood flow to the hand and fingers, causing pain and numbness.
• Shoulder: Shoulder pain is prevalent in golfers due to the nature of the golf swing. Rotator cuff injuries, including tears, as well as inflammation of tendons and bursae surrounding tendons can develop.
• Knee: While less common than other types of golf injuries, knee pain and injury can result from the stress put on the knee from a golf swing.

Reasons to have imaging after an injury

Whether you have chronic pain or an acute injury, it’s a good idea to visit your doctor if the discomfort is severe or the condition doesn’t get better within several weeks. Continuing to golf or other activities can aggravate an injury and potentially make it worse.

Your doctor might order an MRI or CT scan to pinpoint the cause of your pain and develop an accurate diagnosis. An MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce 3D images. Doctors generally use this scan to diagnose problems with joints, tendons and soft tissues, including spinal cord injuries. CT scans use X-rays to create detailed pictures of structures in the body. If your doctor suspects a fracture or another problem with a bone, you will likely have a CT scan.

The board-certified radiologists at American Health Imaging provide accurate results your doctor can use to develop the treatment plan that is right for you. With convenient locations throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Texas, American Health Imaging makes getting high-quality medical imaging convenient, getting you back on the green faster.

Has your doctor ordered an MRI or CT scan? Request an appointment at an American Health Imaging center near you.