Golf-FAQ.com

why does my left arm hurt and go numb after a round of golf.

by Edgardo Feeney Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Pulled muscles in the arm can be caused by repetitive activity, exercise or sports activites like golf. If you go directly to your golf game without warming up and stretching the muscles beforehand, the likelihood of muscle tears and strains is increased. Muscles that are tight and stiff are susceptible to tears and strain.

Golfers Elbow is a condition that comes from the strain of repetitive motion. You may have Golfer's Elbow if you have forearm and elbow pain after golfing. Another common elbow injury that we treat is torn ligaments. Fat shots, hitting rocks and other swing problems can be too much for your elbows.

Full Answer

What does it mean when your left arm goes numb?

Numbness in your arm could be a symptom of peripheral neuropathy. This means that there’s some damage in the peripheral nervous system. Arm numbness is one symptom of this condition.

Why are my arms injured when playing golf?

Weak tendons are easier to injure. Since golfing puts so much strain on your arms, being in shape matters. If you’re going to be golfing often, stretching and strength training for your arms are a good idea. Going straight to the teebox and swinging full-speed increases your chance of injury.

Why does my wrist hurt after golfing?

If you’ve been noticing a gradual increase in wrist pain after golfing, it may be tendinitis. Wrist tendinitis comes with overuse or poor form. Stress from swinging the club causes tiny tears in your wrist tendons. Those tendons get inflamed and cause pain. One of the injuries we see is so common in golfers that the sport is in its name.

Why does the left side of my arm hurt?

There are many reasons why you might have pain in your left arm, including complications from arthritis and other chronic diseases. From a simple strain to a heart problem, here are a few possible causes:

Why Does My left arm hurt after golfing?

Golfer's elbow is a condition that causes pain where the tendons of your forearm muscles attach to the bony bump on the inside of your elbow. The pain might spread into your forearm and wrist. Golfer's elbow is similar to tennis elbow, which occurs on the outside of the elbow. It's not limited to golfers.

Can you get a pinched nerve from golf?

The common rounded forward position leads to a hyperextension at the cervical spine. That hyperextension leads to compression of the cervical spine and compression of the nerve roots. This postural problem arises when you take that posture and try to swing a golf club.

Should your arms be sore after golf?

Arms and Shoulders The most common golf injury when it comes to this part of the body is “tennis elbow” (sometimes referred to as “golfers elbow”). It's generally caused by repetitive movements and overextension of the elbow and common symptoms include soreness or tenderness on the outside of the elbow.

Can golf cause radial tunnel syndrome?

Radial tunnel syndrome can occur in tennis players and in golfers. It also happens in those with true overuse conditions with repetitive wrist motion, especially rotation.

Can golf cause a pinched nerve in the neck?

Other sports with continuous and repetitive activity, like basketball, tennis or golf, can also cause the same strain on your muscles and tendons. This can also lead to a pinched nerve.

Can golfers elbow cause ulnar nerve entrapment?

ULNAR AND RADIAL NERVE ENTRAPMENT Approximately 60% of the patients who have Golfer's Elbow also suffer from compression of the Ulnar Nerve. (3) These patients will often experience an altered sensation or numbness and tingling of the 4th and 5th fingers.

What is the most common injury in golf?

The 5 Most Common Golf Injuries (and What to Do About Them)Back Pain. ... Rotator Cuff Injury. ... Tennis Elbow and Golf Elbow. ... Knee Pain and Damage. ... Tendinitis in the Wrists.

Is golf a good workout?

Golf can be good for your health and your heart. Walking an average course for a round of golf can be between five to seven kilometres. If you walk 18 holes three to five times a week, you'll get an optimal amount of endurance exercise for your heart.

Why do I ache so much after golf?

Low, middle, and upper back pain are common symptoms of golf-related injuries. Golf is a game of muscle memory, and its repetitive motions can lead to inflammation, strains, and other injuries of the muscles and discs of the spine, throwing you off your game.

How do you test for radial tunnel syndrome?

How is radial tunnel syndrome diagnosed? There are no formal imaging tests that can diagnose radial tunnel syndrome, which makes diagnosing this condition somewhat difficult. Even so, your doctor may order an X-ray, MRI or electromyography test, just to rule out other potential injuries or conditions.

How do you treat radial tunnel syndrome?

Conservative treatments for radial tunnel syndrome include medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce soft tissue swelling, corticosteroid injections to relieve inflammation and pressure on the radial nerve, and wrist and/or elbow splints to reduce irritation of the radial nerve.

Is golfer's elbow permanent?

Left untreated, golfer's elbow eventually could cause permanent disability—loss of grip strength, chronic pain, and limited range of elbow motion. The condition also can cause a permanent contracture (bend) of the elbow.

Why do my arms feel numb?

Sometimes, nerves or blood vessels that affect your arms become compressed. This can lead to numbness, tingling, and pain in your arms, hands, and neck. Your hands might turn pale blue or be slow to heal wounds. Vascular thoracic outlet syndrome can be treated with medications and physical therapy.

Why is my left arm numb?

Left arm numbness could be due to something as simple as sleeping position or as serious as a heart attack. In between are dozens of other potential causes. This applies to numbness in the right arm as well. A temporary feeling of numbness in your left arm is usually no cause for alarm. It will likely resolve on its own.

What causes numbness in the neck and shoulders?

Herniated disk. A herniated disk in your neck can cause numbness, weakness, and a tingling sensation in one arm. It can also cause radiating pain in the arm, neck, or shoulders. It can be treated with rest, heat and cold applications, and over-the-counter pain relievers. If symptoms continue, see your doctor.

What nerves run down the arm?

The brachial nerves run down the arms from the spinal cord in the neck. Injury to these nerves can interrupt messages from the brain to the arms, causing loss of feeling. This can also affect the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand.

Can insect bites cause numbness?

Insect stings and bites don’t affect us all the same way. Some people have severe allergic reactions and others experience only minor symptoms. These may include numbness or tingling around the affected area.

What Causes Left Arm Numbness?

Left-arm numbness can be frightening. There are many causes, and the major ones include:

When Should I be Concerned

Unexplained arm numbness requires immediate attention. If left arm numbness is abrupt in onset and not due to trauma or compromised posture time is of the essence. Call 911!

Treatment Options for Left Arm Numbness

Treatment depends upon the underlying cause of the arm numbness. Left-arm numbness is a warning sign that requires attention. As noted above unexplained numbness requires immediate attention.

In Conclusion

Left-arm numbness can be alarming. The major causes include Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, cervical nerve injury, Cervical Stenosis, heart attack, stroke, and nerve injury. Unexplained left arm numbness requires immediate attention. Treatment options depend upon the underlying cause.

What are the injuries in golf?

Golf Injuries to the Hand, Wrist or Elbow. Hand, wrist and elbow injuries are common for golfers of all skill levels. The golf swing is a complex, coordinated series of motions. Golf injuries can result from poor technique or overuse. They can also result from a single direct blow, like hitting a tree root. The following are a few ways that could ...

What are the types of injuries that can occur in golf?

Types of Golf Injuries. Golf injuries can include tendonitis, sprains or fractures (broken bones). These injuries may arise by the repeated stress of practicing the golf swing. Gripping activities like hammering or heavy lifting can also cause these injuries. Some specific golf injuries may include: Sprained Wrist.

How to treat tendonitis in golfer's elbow?

Initial treatment for tendonitis consists of rest, ice, stretching, splinting and anti-inflammatory medications. For tennis elbow , try to lift objects palm up. For golfer’s elbow, try to lift objects with the palm down.

What causes tendonitis in the elbow?

The inner aspect of the elbow where medial epicondylitis, one of the common golf injuries, causes painful tendonitis. Hook of the hamate as it grips a golf club. The hook part of the bone can break, causing a hamate bone fractures, one of the common golf injuries.

Where does tendonitis occur in the hand?

In the wrist, tendonitis often occurs in the leading hand (left hand for a right handed player). In the elbow, this can sometimes be referred to as medial epicondylitis or “golfer’s elbow.”. Pain is often on the inner, or medial, part of the elbow. This is where the muscles that bend the wrist and fingers attach (Figure 1).

What causes a blood clot in the palm of the hand?

The ulnar artery is one of the main arteries to the hand. This occurs where repeated blows weaken the vessel wall. It then causes it to increase in size, and sometimes a blood clot forms. There is often pain in the palm, and sometimes disrupted blood flow going to the fingertips.

How to fix golfer's elbow?

For golfer’s elbow, try to lift objects with the palm down. Tendonitis can be improved by certain exercises. These exercises stretch and strengthen muscles and tendons. These can be recommended by a hand therapist. Changing grips on the golf club may also help.

Why does my left arm hurt?

There are many reasons why you might have pain in your left arm, including complications from arthritis and other chronic diseases. From a simple strain to a heart problem, here are a few possible causes:

What is it called when your arm hurts?

Tendons are the flexible bands of tissue that connect bones and muscles. When tendons are inflamed, it’s called tendinitis. Tendinitis of the shoulder or elbow could cause arm pain. The risk of tendinitis increases as you age.

How do you know if you have a broken arm?

Fractured or broken bone. Despite pain, sometimes there’s no outward sign that you’ve fractured or broken a bone in your arm or wrist. A broken bone in your arm, wrist, or hand can cause pain that gets worse when you move. Other symptoms include swelling and numbness.

How do you know if you have a pinched nerve in your arm?

Symptoms of a pinched nerve are similar to those of a herniated disk. They may include numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation in your arm. You may feel an increase in pain when you move.

How to treat a sprained arm?

For strains and sprains, try resting your arm and keeping it elevated if possible. Apply ice for 20 minutes several times a day. Use over-the-counter pain medication. While some of these conditions are not serious, they can become serious without proper care.

Where does pain start?

The pain may start in your neck. It may then move to your shoulder and down your arm. You may also feel numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation in your arm. Pain may increase when you move.

Can you rotate your shoulder?

The pain usually increases as you move or if you lie down on your arm or shoulder. You may not be able to fully rotate your shoulder. Other symptoms include burning and tingling.

What part of the body does golf swing feel tight?

Legs . Although most of the movement during your golf swing occurs from the waist up, your legs have to provide a great deal of support and it’s not uncommon for them to get sore from time to time (even if you ride in a cart). While the most common area you’re likely to feel some tightness is in your hamstrings, soreness can occur anywhere (calves, ...

What is the most common injury in golf?

Arms and Shoulders. The most common golf injury when it comes to this part of the body is “tennis elbow” (sometimes referred to as “golfers elbow”). It’s generally caused by repetitive movements and overextension of the elbow and common symptoms include soreness or tenderness on the outside of the elbow. There are a number of remedies available ...

Where does soreness occur?

While the most common area you’re likely to feel some tightness is in your hamstrings, soreness can occur anywhere (calves, quads, groin). Knee pain on the other hand, maybe a sign of something a little more serious.

Is golf a pain?

Common Golf Aches and Pains – Which Ones are Okay and Which Ones Aren’t. Though golf isn’t quite as physically demanding as sports like football or basketball, it does require players to put their bodies in a lot of unusual and straining positions.

Can Tiger Woods damage his knees?

Your knees take on a lot of stress in your downswing and the last thing you want is damage to any of your major ligaments. Tiger Woods is living proof that even with a near perfect swing, the pressure put on your knees can be enough to cause major structural damage.

Is it normal to have a sore back when swinging?

Back. The twisting and rotating that goes on during your golf swing can put a lot of stress on your back and for that reason, a little soreness now and then is very normal.

Is it okay to have sharp pain in your back?

Sharp pain or stinging sensations aren’t okay. If you feel some uncomfortableness in your back and you don’t think it’s muscular, you may want to see a doctor. These types of pains are often associated with nerve injuries or spinal issues and playing through the agony only makes them worse.

What is the right arm for golf?

As Tattersall says, your trail arm — which is your right arm for right-handed golfers, or left arm for left-handers — can and does a variety of different things on the backswing. “The right arm can fan a little bit, it can rotate, and it can lift. All those things happen in most people’s backswing,” Tattersall says.

Why is the trail arm important?

Your trail arm has an incredibly important role in the golf swing, one with the ability to both help — and hurt — the outcome of the shot you’re about to hit. When something goes wrong in a golfer’s downswing, it generally does so in one of two ways: Either the arms both work too far behind you at the start of the downswing ...

Is trail arm mechanics hard to diagnose?

Trail arm mechanics tough to diagnose unless you’ve sifted through the 3D data.

Why do amateur golfers get injured?

Hank Johnson: I agree that most injuries to amateurs come from faulty technique, often because they overreach their capabilities. You have average players trying to copy tour players, and they get (a) frustrated and (b) hurt. After Dr. Andrews explains the injuries, I'll give you a setup or swing adjustment that takes some strain off that part of the body. These adjustments might move you away from the ideal biomechanics of the golf swing, but they'll help you do something even more important: Keep playing golf.

How to avoid hitting a golf club with your left hand?

HOW TO AVOID INJURY: If you grip the club with your left hand in a weak position, the thumb down the top of the handle (above, 1), you risk having a flat or even bowed left wrist at impact. Instead, rotate your left hand away from the target about 30 degrees from that weak position. This will put the thumb at about 1:30 on an imaginary clock face, more down the right side of the grip, and create the slight cup you want in the wrist (2). — Johnson

What happens when you swing a golf shot?

WHAT HAPPENS: A strained lower back is the most common golf injury, and the one most likely to shorten a career. The modern power swing is all about the rotation of the pelvis through the shot. The torque this creates between the pelvis and the lumbar spine pulls the ligaments, tendons and muscles in that area. Also, the shearing effect can wear away the discs between the vertebrae in the lumbar spine, leading to disc disease; that's the real career-ender. — Andrews

What is a labral tear in golf?

But labral tears (torn cartilage) are becoming common and often can be traced to the backswing. When golfers keep the left arm tight to the chest as they swing back, they can tear the labrum that stabilizes the shoulder joint. This is called a posterior labral tear, and the golfer feels pain in the back of the shoulder. — Andrews

What is it called when you have tennis elbow?

It's called lateral epicondylitis , or tennis elbow. Golfer's elbow affects the inside of the trail arm and is caused by the repeated straining and rotation of that arm through impact, but it's less common. — Andrews. HOW TO AVOID INJURY: Many golfers confuse keeping the left arm straight with locking it (below, 1).

How to avoid injury in golf?

HOW TO AVOID INJURY: Players who don't turn well in the backswing tend to pin the left arm across the chest ( above, 1). Turning the upper body can be physically challenging for some golfers; others find it just plain scary, because they feel as if they won't get back to hit the ball.

What happens when you swing through the left side of your knee?

This results in the inner side of the left knee absorbing a tremendous amount of torque and compression. Many golfers square the left foot and lock the knee in an internally rotated position (right, 1), which leads to an increased shearing force on the knee joint. The typical injury is to the medial meniscus and can lead to degeneration of the articular cartilage and arthritis. — Andrews

What happens when you swing your hand?

The forces applied to the hands throughout the swing can cause soft-tissue inflammation or sprains, nerve damage, or fractures to the eight tiny carpal bones of the joint. The most easily injured is the hamate bone on the pinky side of your glove hand at the wrist.

How many diameters are golf grips?

GET FITTED. ▶ Grips come in four diameters, according to Golf Pride, and you can use tape to vary the thickness even more. Unfortunately, most average golfers don't realize this and simply use the grips that came on the clubs. If your grip is too small, the tendency is to hold it in the palms ( see No. 2) and/or too tightly.

Do golfers have hand injuries?

Considering the punishment your wrists endure because of golf—helping you swing the club through thick grass, plugged bunker lies and two-hour grind sessions on the range—it's amazing more golfers don't suffer hand injuries. "Actually, they do," says Dave Phillips, golf-and-fitness expert at the Titleist Performance Institute. "They're fairly common, and you typically don't come back quickly from one."

What is the thumb in golf?

The thumb is remarkable, and we ask much of it. Gripping a golf club throughout the swing means positioning the thumb at multiple points in space , and that demands great flexibility. This flexibility is provided by two hinge joints and the very agile basilar joint — where the thumb plugs into your wrist — plus great strength and stability.

Why does my thumb feel weakened?

Your hand may feel weakened as discomfort can lead to protecting the thumb from tasks (e.g., opening jar s) in which grip power is necessary and potentially painful. Self-Care: There is a wide range of nonsurgical managements—ice, heat, splints and judicious use of over-the-counter anti-inflammatories.

What joint should a thumb splint be used for?

Any splint used should include the thumb to help support the basilar joint. Doctor Visit: A diagnosis will likely entail the doctor loading the thumb’s basilar joint and briefly “grinding” it — you may feel the discomfort and mechanical symptoms that accompany joint irregularity.

Can golfers get arthritis?

This balancing act can create a problem that manifests as friction at the basilar joint—aka arthritis. Almost all golfers will eventually get a little degenerative “wear and tear” arthritis at the thumb joint.

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