Golf might not look like a contact sport, but the body takes plenty of strain from repetitive swings, uneven terrain, and long hours on the course. Here’s a closer look at the most common golf-related injuries.
1. Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain is probably the most common golf-related injury. The rotational force of the swing, combined with bending during setup and walking uneven ground, puts constant stress on the lumbar spine.
Typical causes:
- Weak core muscles.
- Poor swing mechanics.
- Uneven weight distribution through the feet.
How Ultimate Performance insoles help: Sports insoles improve posture and spinal alignment by stabilising the feet and promoting even weight transfer throughout the swing. They also reduce muscle fatigue by absorbing shock, helping you maintain a smooth, balanced motion.
2. Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
This overuse injury causes pain and tenderness on the inside of the elbow. It’s usually linked to gripping the club too tightly or striking too many balls during practice sessions.
Typical causes include:
- Excess tension in the forearm.
- Poor grip.
- Overcompensation due to unstable lower body movement.
Ultimate Performance Insoles for golf help by improving lower-body stability and balance, insoles reduce the amount of compensatory strain transferred up the kinetic chain to the arms and elbows. A more stable stance equals a smoother, less stressful swing.
3. Shoulder Strain and Rotator Cuff Injuries
The shoulders power much of the golf swing. Repetitive motion, over-swinging, or poor sequencing can lead to strain or even tears in the rotator cuff muscles.
Typical causes: Overuse, limited flexibility, or instability elsewhere in the body forcing the shoulders to overwork.
How insoles help:
- Stabilise the base of the body.
- Improving rotation through the hips and trunk.
- With better kinetic flow from the ground up, the shoulders don’t need to overcompensate.
- Reducing the risk of strain.
4. Wrist and Hand Injuries
Golfers often develop tendonitis or sprains in the wrists and hands, especially after striking hard ground or hitting many range balls.
Typical causes: Poor impact absorption, over-gripping, or hitting off uneven lies.
How insoles help: Cushioning insoles absorb ground reaction forces before they travel up through the club and into the hands and wrists, easing repetitive stress and improving comfort throughout a round.
5. Knee Pain
The knees absorb rotational forces during both the backswing and follow-through, especially on downhill lies or when walking 18 holes.
Typical causes:
- Weak glutes or quadriceps.
- Poor foot mechanics.
- Over-rotation during the swing.
How insoles help: Proper arch support and heel stability keep the foot aligned, reducing torque through the knees. This makes walking the course easier and helps prevent conditions like patellar tendonitis or meniscus irritation.
In Summary
Sports insoles do far more than cushion your feet. They improve balance, reduce impact, and promote better body mechanics from the ground up. For golfers looking to prevent injury, enhance comfort, and maintain consistent performance, they’re one of the simplest and smartest upgrades you can make to your game.