3 Common Golf Injuries: How to Avoid the “Rough”

Article from Brigham Health Hub, written by Elizabeth G. Matzkin, MD

Golf is a lifetime sport – people of all ages and activity levels can participate. It is a great way to get outside and stay active, especially if you choose to walk the course. On average, a golfer playing 18 holes on foot will walk anywhere from three to six miles. Injuries are common at all levels of play, from first-time golfers to professionals. Before you take your first swing of the season, be sure to check out the tips below on signs, symptoms, and prevention of common golf injuries.

1. Rotator Cuff Tendinitis

What is it?

The rotator cuff is a group of important muscles and tendons in your shoulder. Rotator cuff tendinitis is caused by inflammation of these tendons, leading to pain and decreased function. Rotator cuff tendinitis is commonly associated with overuse. Signs and symptoms include pain with overhead movements or repetitive motions of the shoulder.

How can I prevent this?

Rotator cuff tendinitis can be caused by overuse or improper technique during your swing, putting too much stress on the shoulder. Consult a golf instructor for suggestions on improving swing technique. You should always stretch out your shoulders and warm up with a few exercises before you start swinging for the day.

How is it treated?

If your doctor suspects you have rotator cuff tendinitis, they may prescribe rest, ice, and an anti-inflammatory medication. Your doctor also may recommend physical therapy to help maximize shoulder strength and function. If you have a flare-up of significant pain that limits motion, sometimes your doctor may recommend a corticosteroid injection to decrease acute inflammation.

2. Golfer’s Elbow

What is it?

Medial epicondylitis, also known as golfer’s elbow, is caused by inflammation of the tendons and muscles on the inside of the elbow. Golfer’s elbow is a common overuse injury, caused by repetitive motions. Signs and symptoms of golfer’s elbow include persistent pain on the inside of the elbow and pain during movements of the wrist, such as turning a doorknob or shaking hands.

How can I prevent this?

Golfer’s elbow can be caused by improper swing technique that puts additional stress on the tendons of the inside of the elbow. Ask a golf instructor to recommend techniques that minimize stress on the elbow during a swing. In addition, make sure you are using golf clubs that are the right fit for your size and strength.

How is it treated?

If your doctor suspects you have golfer’s elbow, they will likely prescribe rest, ice, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, and physical therapy to strengthen your elbow muscles and tendons. Your doctor also may prescribe a wrist brace or forearm band to help reduce pain with movements of the wrist.

3. Knee Pain

What is it?

A golf swing requires rotation of the knee as you turn your hips and shoulders to follow through. This movement can cause or aggravate a torn meniscus, a cartilage structure in the knee that helps absorb the impact of walking and rotation during a swing. For older golfers, this movement also can exacerbate pre-existing arthritis.

How do I prevent it?

Weakness in the thigh muscles, like the hip flexors, quadriceps, and hamstrings, puts additional pressure on the knee joint when walking and especially during a golf swing. Specific exercises that target these muscle groups will maximize your strength and help to take pressure off of the knee joint, decreasing pain during golf or other daily activities. Proper swing technique is also important to minimize the rotational forces on the knee.

How is it treated?

If your doctor suspects you have arthritis or a tear in the meniscus, they may recommend ice, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, and physical therapy to increase the strength of your thigh muscles. By maximizing strength and decreasing swelling, you can get back to a pain-free golf swing. However, if you have persistent pain and severe limitations in your activities, your doctor may recommend a corticosteroid injection or further intervention.

Golf is a great way to exercise and stay active for many people. Unfortunately, injuries can occur at any age or level of play. Be on the lookout for these common injuries and be sure to stretch and warm up your arm and leg muscles before you hit the course. If you have persistent pain from golfing, be sure to consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.


New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopaedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.
New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopaedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.
Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopaedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.
If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

Cycling During COVID-19: How To Ride Safely

Cycling During COVID-19: How To Ride Safely

From Aventon

While the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread across the world, it has also caused the cycling world to make changes to their daily lives. Not only has the pandemic led to canceled bike races across the country, but it has also led many riders to ask what cycling during coronavirus looks like.

In this article, we’ll discuss some of the basics about COVID-19 to give you a better understanding of the virus so that you can take the necessary safety measures to cycleduring this time safely.

THE BASICS

Let’s start off by talking about the basics of the coronavirus.

COVID-19 is a new strain of the coronavirus for which there is no known treatment or vaccine at the moment. While it’s very likely that some of us may have experienced some kind of coronavirus at some point in our lives, recent public health studies suggest that this strain is more contagious than previous ones.

Like most viruses, COVID is spread through droplet transmission and generally presents itself as the common cold with minor respiratory ailments. However, complications may arise in varying severity; in some cases, even leading to death.

You can also contract the virus by touching an object or surface that where droplets from a cough or sneeze has landed. Once the droplets have contaminated your hands, you may inadvertently touch your nose or mouth, introducing the virus into your respiratory system.

Recent studies suggest that the virus itself may be able to survive for as long as three days on plastic, metal, or glass surfaces.

 

PRECAUTIONARY SAFETY MEASURES TO TAKE DURING THE PANDEMIC

There are a few simple steps that everyone can take to make sure they will not get the virus, or spread it. While this list is not complete with everything to help fight back against the spread of the coronavirus, it is a valuable starting point.

SOCIAL DISTANCING

As many of you have heard,social distancing is a great way to prevent further transmission of the coronavirus. This means not gathering in large groups, and always observing a distance of six feet between you and the person next to you.

Additionally, as a rule of thumb, unless you know where your companions have been and who they have been in contact over with the past 14 days, it is in the interest of your health to not risk visiting with other people at the moment. Even one gathering can mean the difference between breaking the chain of transmission.

WEAR A MASK

Droplet transmission means that an infected person can expel the virus through coughing, sneezing, or talking. If you happen to be in close proximity to them (that is, within approximately six feet), there is a chance you might inhale the virus and introduce it into your own body.

If you have to be around others in public for any reason, best practice suggests wearing a mask to protect yourself and others. Face coverings of any kind can reduce droplet transmission when we talk, cough, or sneeze.

WASH YOUR HANDS THOROUGHLY

Washing your hands thoroughly with warm soapy water after touching frequently-used items is another excellent way to prevent transmission. Time your hand washing routine so you spend at least 20 seconds covering the entire surface area of your hands with soap before rinsing.

Rubbing with hand sanitizer also works, but does not eliminate the virus as efficiently as washing with soap and water.

ADDITIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES

    • Do not touch your face.
    • Practice good hand hygiene at all times.
    • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, your shoulder, or elbow.
    • If possible, work from home to prevent unnecessary interaction with other people.
    • Keep away from being around many people as much as possible.
    • Stay home if you feel you are sick or beginning to feel sick.
    • Avoid unnecessary travel.
    • Get at least 8 to 9 hours of sleep.
    • Take your vitamins.
    • Protect your immune system.
    • Exercise and eat healthy.

HOW TO SAFELY RIDE YOUR BIKE DURING THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK

So, what does all of the above have to do with riding a bike?

 

Cycling is a great way to remain healthy, both physically and emotionally, while also living in a socially-distanced environment. But how can you ensure your safety, as well as the safety of others while you are cycing?

 

Well, the good news is that cycling not only carries minimal risk of transmission of COVID-19, it’s also extremely unlikely to contract COVID-19 while cycling, especially while riding on your own. However, just to be safe, let’s take a look at a few recommendations for the next time you feel like going for a ride.

 

First and foremost, if you think you have been exposed, self-quarantine. As unfortunate as this will sound, this is of utmost importance.

 

Unless you get tested, you cannot be certain that you are not carrying the virus, even if you are not exhibiting symptoms. Stay home to avoid the risk of infecting others. Restrictions include not riding outdoors until you have been self-quarantined for at least 14 days.

 

If you plan on cycling with a group of others, keep a minimum of six feet of space when riding with the group. Furthermore, it’s recommended not to ride with people who reside outside of your household or if you have not discussed how each one of you has been quarantining.

 

Additionally, when you find yourself need to pass someone on the road or on the bike lanes, try to give as wide a berth as possible to make sure both parties are adhering to social distancing best practices.

SHOULD YOU WEAR A MASK WHEN RIDING?

CDC guidelines have recently been updated to urge people to wear fabric face coverings in any public setting where social distancing measures cannot strictly be ensured (i.e., grocery stores, bike shops). So, what does this mean for athletes and people who exercise outdoors?

 

Read more: eBike Laws and How They Impact Riders

 

Well, it is not a situation to take lightly. While you may not need to wear a mask while you are cycling by yourself, you should bring one along in the event of an emergency or if you need to stop at a store to grab a drink. Face coverings do two great things:

  1. They prevent spread from the ill and protect against inhalation in healthy individuals.
  2. They are highly effective when used correctly.

 

The objective of the mask is not only to protect yourself from the virus, but also to protect others from it, as well. The asymptomatic spread of the virus remains a critical concern, which means someone might have the ability to spread the virus to other people without knowing they even contracted it.

You can never be sure if the person next to you is infected, or if you yourself are. Wearing a mask by default could greatly help in decreasing the transmission of this highly contagious virus.

 


New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopaedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopaedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopaedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

Recreational areas reopen in Albuquerque

Recreational areas reopen in Albuquerque

From Visit Albuquerque 

As outdoor lands and some recreational areas reopen in Albuquerque and New Mexico, state officials are reminding residents and visitors to be respectful of these places and continue to take precautions to stop the spread of COVID-19.

The city of Albuquerque sits a mile above sea level (5,000-6,000-foot elevation) and has a high-desert climate, which means around 310 sunny days and cool, crisp evenings. Albuquerque’s climate and landscape are perfect for outdoor adventure vacations. We have four seasons, so plan for potential snow in the winter and sunny days in the 90s during the summer.

Albuquerque and the surrounding mountainous terrain are a paradise for hikers and bikers. Varying levels of trails crisscross the Sandia and Manzano Mountains adjacent to Albuquerque, for some of the best hiking and mountain biking in New Mexico. Runners—including several Olympic distance runners—often take advantage of the benefits of altitude training in Albuquerque.

Not into heights? Venture out on the interconnected trail system throughout the city. The Paseo del Bosque Trail is an easily accessible 16-mile multi-use route enjoyed by walkers, runners, cyclists, inline skaters and even horseback riders. Start planning your fitness vacation today.

HIKING OPTIONS – FROM A CASUAL STROLL TO CLIMBING MOUNTAINS

The Sandia (“watermelon” in Spanish) Mountains, the eastern landmark of the city, beckon outdoor enthusiasts. In the evening, the mountains turn a pinkish hue as the sun sets, creating a spectacular backdrop for the city. There’s a reason the International Science Times named Albuquerque one of the “Top 10 Skinny Cities” in America. The high-desert landscape offers an array of hiking options, with challenging trails to the top of Sandia Peak, rolling paths through the foothills and even historical trails at Petroglyph National Monument The high-desert landscape offers an array of hiking options, with challenging trails to the top of Sandia Peak, rolling paths through the foothills and even historical trails at . Those options are right in the city, but many more routes will take you away from the city for a day trip in any direction.

More about hiking »

BIKING AT A MILE HIGH

Whether you bring your bike with you or rent one in town, there is an array of options for cycling in and around Albuquerque. The Sandias are perfect for beginner to advanced mountain biking. Road cyclists head out from the city in every direction—for flat training rides or challenging mountain inclines. If you are a leisurely biker, check out the local rental companies that offer guided tours of areas like Old Town and the Paseo del Bosque Trail, which was named one of the 20 best bike paths in the West by Sunset Magazine.

More about biking »

SANDIA PEAK AERIAL TRAMWAY

The Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway’s 2.7-mile ascent to the 10,378-foot peak of the Sandia Mountains is a thrilling way to see Albuquerque and the surrounding landscape. From the top, take in a panorama of more than 11,000 square miles. The tram offers excellent access to a variety of hikes and wildlife experiences, and the peak is the perfect location to catch a gorgeous New Mexico sunset. Intrepid hikers may be interested in the La Luz Trail, which takes you to the highest point of Sandia Peak. To save some time (and energy), you can catch the tram for a ride down with a one-way ticket.

More about the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway »

LET SOMEONE ELSE LEAD THE WAY

If you’re looking for a local to help you experience the magnificent landscapes around Albuquerque, you have a variety of options. From cultural jeep tours to canoe/kayak floats down the Rio Grande, and from themed bike outings to scenic photography expeditions, local companies have got you covered.

Find tour options »

EVER SEEN A SUPER VOLCANO?

For an interesting day trip, head northwest to the Valles Caldera National Preserve in the Jemez Mountains, about 1.5 hours from Albuquerque. The 89,000-acre property is situated inside a collapsed crater that offers tremendous outdoor activities. During the winter, enjoy sleigh rides, cross-country skiing and snowshoe hikes. Summertime visitors hike through the backcountry and mountain bike. Artists of all kinds seek the beauty of the preserve to feed their creativity. Guided tours are available year-round.

Learn more about the Valles Caldera »

HOT AIR BALLOONING CAPITAL

Clear blue skies, calm winds and mild temperatures are the norm in Albuquerque, encouraging year-round hot air ballooning. You don’t have to be as adventurous as you might think to take a flight. Local hot air balloon companies provide rides for visitors on a daily basis (weather permitting).

Book a balloon flight »

GOLF AT HIGH ALTITUDE

If you haven’t played golf in the Albuquerque area, you’re missing out on one of the sport’s best-kept secrets. The area’s unique scenery combines with affordability to provide an unbeatable cost-to-quality value. Golf Digest and Golf Magazine have ranked several of Albuquerque’s public courses among the best in the country.

See golfing options »


New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopaedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopaedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopaedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.