Ask the Experts
Golf is one of the few sports you can truly play for a lifetime. But as we age, hip and knee discomfort can start to impact not just performance, but everyday mobility. Knowing when to seek care can make the difference between managing a small issue and dealing with a larger setback.
Dr. David Beigler (pictured) is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with Illinois Bone & Joint Institute (IBJI) specializing in hip and knee preservation, arthroscopic surgery, and joint replacement. He serves as Head of Orthopedic Trauma at Endeavor/ North Shore University Health System and was an Assistant Clinical Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Northwestern University Medical School for over 25 years, as well as an Associate Clinical Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.
Dr. Beigler shares five signs golfers shouldn’t ignore:
1) Pain That Lasts Beyond the Round
Soreness after 18 holes can be normal. We all get aches and pains as we become older. When it begins to affect our lifestyles, much less scoring potential, you should get a consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon. Surgery is usually NOT necessary. However, if surgery IS needed, delaying may limit the outcome/ benefits.
2) Stiffness That Changes Your Swing
If you’re shortening your backswing or avoiding rotation due to tightness in your hip or knee, that’s more than aging — it’s restricted mobility. When the hip loses motion, the knee and lower back often are forced to absorb extra stress.
Often, the aging process is “just” arthritis. However, part of the arthritic joint includes tightening or eventually severe loosening of the supporting structures of the joint, such as ligaments and weakening of the surrounding muscles. Targeted physical therapy and workout programs can be beneficial and not just to your score(s), but to your overall health as well.
3) Swelling After Activity
Recurrent swelling after golf is a red flag. It can indicate inflammation within the joint, meniscus irritation or tears, or degenerative changes that deserve evaluation.
“Michael Jordan used to get two bags of ice placed on his knees when he was done for the night with the Chicago Bulls: good enough for him - good enough for you and me,” Beigler said. “This can reduce acute inflammation/soreness and shorten the recovery time. If it persists, pay attention to this red flag. Your body is talking to you and seeking consultation.”
4) Catching, Clicking, or Instability
Mechanical symptoms like locking, catching, or a knee that feels like it might “give out” should never be ignored. In the hip, deep groin pain accompanied by clicking can point to labral tears or impingement.
Mechanical symptoms such as the above may indicate the “need” for a mechanical treatment, such as arthroscopic surgery. Often, these mechanical symptoms are loose pieces of tissue in a joint that may be the beginning of the arthritic process. Removing “loose bodies” or loose pieces of cartilage can avoid, or at least delay, the development of arthritis (and therefore joint replacement in the future).
5) Pain That Affects Daily Life
If joint discomfort follows you off the course, such as when climbing stairs, getting out of a car, or even while sleeping, it is time for an orthopedic evaluation. Seeking treatment early can help you have a smoother recovery, prevent further injury and get back to the activities you love.
“Earlier treatment of joint, muscle and tendon problems frequently limits the extent and duration of the problem and also lowers the risks of complications from that problem (think tendon ruptures) in the future,” said Beigler.
Don’t Let Joint Pain Sideline Your Game
Hip and knee pain are among the most common causes of mobility limitations in adults over 50. At IBJI, our sports medicine and orthopedic specialists are focused on helping active adults stay active. From conservative treatments and physical therapy to advanced minimally invasive procedures and joint replacement, we tailor care to your goals, whether that’s walking 18 holes comfortably or improving your rotation off the tee.
Consult with an orthopedic specialist to learn more about your recovery options — so you can get back on the course pain-free. Many of us play golf and “get” the problem, understand the swing and want to get you back to yourself and your game.
