Golf and your knees

How the swing loads the knee

In a right-handed golfer, the left knee is the lead knee. During the downswing and follow-through, body weight shifts onto it while the hips and trunk rotate over it. If the foot stays firmly planted, the knee takes a twisting force, and in a powerful swing it may also snap back towards full straightening.

The trail knee bends and turns inward as the hips rotate. Most golfers never notice any of this, but a knee with a worn meniscus or arthritis may start to hurt, particularly on the inner side.

Common knee problems in golfers

• Arthritis, often in the inner compartment of the knee, which is common in experienced golfers simply because of age.
• Degenerative meniscus tears, which can cause pain on twisting, clicking and occasional catching.
• Front-of-knee pain from crouching to read putts, or from walking hilly courses.
• Swelling after a round, especially in warm weather, in knees that already have a problem inside the joint.

Adjusting your swing and stance

Small technical changes can reduce load on the lead knee without spoiling your game.

• Turn the lead foot out a little at address, so the knee can rotate with the hips rather than against a fixed foot.
• Allow the lead heel to lift slightly in the backswing if that suits your swing.
• Avoid snapping the lead knee straight at impact; a coach can help smooth this.
• Choose shoes with softer or fewer spikes, which let the foot pivot rather than grip the turf.
• Warm up with gentle swings and walking before hitting full shots.

A golf professional who knows about your knee can make these changes while keeping your swing effective.

On the course in Qatar

Doha's courses are flat compared with many abroad, but the heat for much of the year adds strain. Early morning or evening tee times are easier on the body. Drink regularly, as dehydration makes muscles tire and swelling worse.

Walking the course is good exercise for most knees. If walking 18 holes leaves your knee swollen, use a cart for part of the round or play nine holes. A push trolley is easier on the knees than carrying a bag. When reading putts, crouching deeply can be replaced by bending at the hips with one hand on the putter.

Golf after knee surgery

Golf is often one of the first sports patients return to after knee surgery. As conventional ranges, after knee arthroscopy many golfers chip and putt within a few weeks and play a full round after around four to six weeks. After a meniscus repair, the twisting is usually held back for longer to protect the repair.

After knee replacement, many golfers return to putting and short games after around six to eight weeks and full rounds after around three months, using a cart at first. The exact timing depends on your operation, strength and the surgeon's advice. Golf is a common activity after knee replacement, and many patients find their game more comfortable than before.

When to see a knee surgeon in Doha

Book an assessment if your knee catches or locks during a swing, swells after most rounds, gives way, or if pain on the inner side of the knee has lasted several weeks. These can be signs of a meniscus tear or progressing arthritis.

At a consultation at Aman Hospital, Dr. Gelber will examine your knee, review X-rays or MRI if needed, and discuss treatments from exercise and injections to surgery, with the aim of keeping you on the course.