Hip Pain From Golf: Common Causes & Treatment Options

Executive Summary

• Golfers may experience hip pain due to repetitive movements, improper swing mechanics, muscle imbalances, inadequate warm-up techniques, underlying conditions like arthritis, or recovery from a recent surgery.
• Golf-inspired hip pain can be sharp or achy and radiate through the lower back or thighs. This pain may also be accompanied by stiffness and reduced hip mobility or swelling and tenderness in the hip area.
• Hip pain from golfing may be treated through rest, heat and ice therapy, activity modification, physical therapy, medication, injections, or surgery.
• To help prevent hip pain from golfing, ensure you warm up properly, improve your swing mechanics, strengthen your core and hip muscles with targeted exercises, and use supportive devices like orthotics or braces.

Understanding the Relationship Between Hip Pain and Golfing

Golf is typically considered a low-impact sport, but some people still experience hip pain from golfing. The sport requires repeated twisting and weight shifting, which can significantly strain the hips. Other factors, such as improper swing techniques and underlying health conditions, can also contribute to golf hip pain.

Unfortunately, sharp or aching hip pain after golf swings is often accompanied by tightness, joint immobility, and tenderness. You should address hip pain from golf as soon as possible to avoid further complications. After educating yourself on the connection between golf and hip pain by reading the article below, contact a reliable joint specialist to get tailored medical advice.

Treatment options can include rest, an alteration between hot and cold compressions, medication, or hip replacement surgery. Nevertheless, each case of golf hip pain is unique and may require an individualized approach to treatment.

Common Causes of Hip Pain During Golf

Although golf is not as physically demanding as many other sports, such as basketball or running, it can still stress the hip joint in various ways. Some examples of factors that commonly contribute to golf hip pain are:

• Repetitive movements and overuse – Golf requires monotonous rotating motions and weight transfers, which can strain the hip joint and surrounding muscles. This overuse can generate inflammation and pain over time.
• Improper swing technique – Poor mechanics can increase the risk of injury, especially for people who golf frequently. Incorrectly swinging your club can place excessive stress on the hips and cause discomfort.
• Underlying hip conditions – Pre-existing conditions, such as osteoarthritis or hip bursitis, may be aggravated by golfing and induce localized pain.
• Insufficient muscle strength – Weak or imbalanced hip muscles can cause golfers to be more susceptible to injuries. Strong hip flexors and extensors are essential for stability and mobility.
• Inadequate warm-up routine – Neglecting proper stretching and warm-up activities before a game can leave muscles and joints unprepared for movement, increasing the risk of hip pain from golf.

In addition to the causes above, you may experience hip pain from golf if you are recovering from a recent surgery due to muscle weakness, scar tissue, and nerve irritation. Therefore, you should wait to golf after a hip replacement until a qualified medical professional has cleared you.

Hip Pain Symptoms to Watch Out For

Hip pain from golfing often manifests as a sharp or aching pain that radiates from the hip region, potentially reaching the lower back or thighs. However, many people report accompanying symptoms separate from the pain itself. Some examples of additional symptoms to look out for are:

• Stiffness or reduced hip mobility
• Swelling or inflammation
• Tenderness near the hip area
• Weakness or instability in the hip or leg
• Clicking or popping sensations in the hip joint

Seeking Professional Help

Contact a medical professional if you experience significant hip pain or any of the aforementioned symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent further damage and improve long-term outcomes. A qualified specialist can help you take steps to improve joint health naturally or through medical interventions like cortisone shots or surgery.

Effective Treatment Options for Hip Pain

Each case of golf hip pain may require a unique treatment approach. Nonetheless, some techniques that are commonly used to address golf hip pain include:

• Rest and activity modification – You may need to take a break from golfing or avoid movements that trigger pain to promote healing. For example, you may need to swing the club at a lower height to minimize weight shifting.
• Physical therapy – A professional can recommend exercises to improve joint mobility. Following this routine closely can strengthen hip muscles, increase flexibility, and enhance movement patterns, potentially alleviating pain.
• Heat and ice therapy – Applying heat to the hip region can loosen tight muscles, while cold compressions can help reduce inflammation. Alternating between heat and ice therapy can ultimately soothe sore joints.
• Medications – Your doctor may prescribe pain medication to meet your specific needs. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen can also help you manage pain and swelling.
• Injections or advanced therapies – Corticosteroid joint injections or regenerative treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy are sometimes used to relieve severe cases of hip pain.

If conservative treatments fail, surgical procedures, such as total hip revision surgery or anterior total hip replacement surgery, may be required for long-term pain relief.

How to Prevent Hip Pain While Golfing

Although a joint specialist can help you address hip pain after golf swings, it is best to avoid the pain altogether. Some examples of preventative measures to mitigate the risk of hip pain while golfing include:

• Proper warm-up and stretching – Performing dynamic stretches and mobility exercises can prepare the hips for the rotational movement required in golf, potentially reducing strain.
• Improving swing mechanics – Working with a golf coach or physical therapist is a great way to refine swing technique and minimize hip strain.
• Strengthening core and hip muscles – Targeted strength training exercises can support the hip joint, enhance stability and endurance, and mitigate the risk of hip pain from golf.
• Using supportive equipment – Using proper footwear, a hip brace, or custom orthotics may help you maintain alignment and reduce impact on the hip.

Consult your medical provider for tailored advice on lifestyle changes you can make to prevent hip pain while golfing.

Overcome Golf-Related Pain with The Joint Replacement Center of Scottsdale

Hip pain from golfing can be due to various factors, including improper swing techniques or an underlying health condition. Sadly, golf hip pain is normally accompanied by bodily reactions like swelling or tenderness. If you feel hip pain after a gold swing, you may have to adapt your swing mechanics, strengthen supporting muscles, or take a break from the sport.

If you’re struggling with hip pain from golf, the expert joint specialists at The Joint Replacement Center of Scottsdale can help. We can help you understand the relationship between activities like golf and hip pain, meaning our well-rounded team can offer tailored medical assistance to help you minimize hip pain from cycling, golfing, or any other physical activities you enjoy.

You may benefit from injections or alternative therapies, like pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy. However, if you need surgery, we can use Mako SmartRobotics to ensure it is minimally invasive and promotes a quicker recovery.

Contact the Joint Replacement Center of Scottsdale to learn how we can help you alleviate pain from your favorite activities.