In a study amongst professional golfers, it was found that the most frequently injured sites in the body were the lower back (44%), wrist (44%), elbow (23%), neck (20%) and shoulder (19%). [reference: https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/45/2/e1.4]

Hip and knee injuries are therefore relatively uncommon amongst golfers, but they can still occur.

---

Let’s take a look at the most common hip and knee injuries associated with golf:

Hip Bursitis
Repetitive swinging can cause inflammation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that cushions the hip joint, leading to pain and discomfort in the hip.

Hip Flexor Strain
The hip flexors, a group of muscles that allow you to lift your knee and bend at the waist, can be strained during the golf swing, leading to pain and difficulty with movement.

Knee Tendinitis
Overuse of the knee joint during the golf swing can cause inflammation of the tendons, leading to pain and discomfort in the knee.

Meniscus Tear
A forceful twist or rotation of the knee during the golf swing can cause a tear in the meniscus, a piece of cartilage that cushions the knee joint, leading to pain and swelling.

Knee Osteoarthritis
Repetitive stress on the knee joint during the golf swing can lead to degeneration of the joint over time, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling in the knee.

The opposite can also occur; co-existing knee arthritis may worsen over time and limit your ability to enjoy golf. Walking an 18 hole can become increasingly difficult.

Hip Osteoarthritis
Although golf is unlikely to cause hip arthritis, co-existing hip arthritis can limit your play. Symptoms may include pain in the groin and/or around the hip. You may also notice that walking around the golf course becomes increasingly difficult over time.

---

Reducing the chance of injury
There are several things that could be considered to try to reduce the risk of a hip or knee injury. This includes maintaining proper form and technique during the golf swing, using appropriate equipment, and warming up properly. Additionally, staying in good physical shape and maintaining a healthy weight can also help prevent these types of injuries.

If you are troubled by symptoms, I can assess, organise investigations and help with the development of a treatment plan.