Is there such thing as golfers thumb?
Sarah Smith
Published Jan 18, 2026
A common injury for golfers is De Quervain's Tendonitis. The two tendons affected by this condition (abductor pollicus longus & extensor pollicus brevis) are both located at the base of the thumb, near the wrist. The tendons may rub as they course around a natural bump of bone at the back of the wrist (radial styloid).
How do you treat a golfer's thumb?
Treatment. Conservative treatment consists of resting the hand and wrist, immobilizing it with a splint, applying ice, and taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
Can golf cause de Quervain's tenosynovitis?
Repetitive gripping with your hand and bending of your wrist is thought to be the cause of de Quervain's tenosynovitis. This can happen in racket sports, such as tennis or racquetball, golf, or any activity where you grip with your hand and bend your wrist over and over again, such as lifting a child.
Can you play golf with trigger thumb?
Golfers experience trigger finger injury commonly due to the repeated gripping and swinging of the club. This repetitive motion without the proper precautions and treatments can lead to chronic golf trigger finger. Golf requires a specific grip on the club and a repetitive swinging motion.
What is the most common injury for golfers?
8 of the Most Common Golf Injuries
- Golf Back Injuries or Pain. ...
- Rotator Cuff Injury. ...
- Golfer's Elbow. ...
- Golf Wrist Injury Like Tendonitis. ...
- Knee Pain or Injury. ...
- Foot and Ankle Injuries. ...
- Golf Hip Injury. ...
- Sunburn.
Is golfing hard on your body?
Although golf is a low-impact sport, it's associated with several injuries. Many golfing-related injuries are a result of poor mechanics or overuse. The most commonly injured area is the lower back. Other injured areas can include the elbow, wrist and hand, and shoulder.
Is playing golf good for your health?
Playing golf is good for your heart
So, golf exercises your heart and keeps your heart rate up. This will naturally lower your risk for heart disease and other cardiovascular issues, as well as potentially lowering your levels of 'bad' cholesterol. Regularly playing golf may even lead to an increase in life expectancy.
Why do golfers put tape on fingers?
Many golfers wear tape on their fingers to prevent or cover up hot spots, blisters, calluses, cuts, and other uncomfortable distractions. It's part of their prep, covering up the fingers that tend to get mangled during a round of golf or a long session at the range.
Why does my right thumb hurt from golfing?
A common injury for golfers is De Quervain's Tendonitis. The two tendons affected by this condition (abductor pollicus longus & extensor pollicus brevis) are both located at the base of the thumb, near the wrist. The tendons may rub as they course around a natural bump of bone at the back of the wrist (radial styloid).
How long does De Quervain's heal?
Treatment for de Quervain's tenosynovitis is aimed at reducing inflammation, preserving movement in the thumb and preventing recurrence. If you start treatment early, your symptoms should improve within four to six weeks.
Can you play golf with a TFCC tear?
If a sudden injury causes a wrist sprain or a tear of the TFCC, the wrist should be immobilized for four to six weeks. After that, depending on the injury, golfers can slowly return to play.
How do you massage De Quervain?
Lift your thumb away from your palm so it's nearly perpendicular to the forefinger side of your hand. You'll feel a stretch at the back of your thumb and across your palm. Keep your thumb extended for about 6 seconds and release. Repeat 8 to 12 times.
Where should your left thumb be on the golf grip?
Your left thumb should be to the right side of the handle. You should apply enough pressure with your grip to hold the club but still bend your wrist.
How do you tape your thumb for golf?
Start with wrapping a piece of athletic tape around your wrist. Make sure the tape is not too tight and does not restrict blood circulation. With the second piece of tape place one end on your inner wrist and wrap the tape up over your thumb and loop it back down to the back of your wrist.
Why does my hand hurt from golf?
A bad grip often contributes to hand pain after golf. Gripping the club too tightly or in the wrong way can result in injury. One hand injury we see in golfers is a fracture of the hook of the hamate. The hook of the hamate is a bone in your wrist.
Do all pro golfers lock their fingers?
Most golfers get told that they MUST interlock their fingers when they hold the golf club. This actually isn't necessary and tends to cause problems. Most golfers do this by getting their little finger and forefinger too deeply “locked” and often take their golf grip with their palms facing outward.
Do you use same grip for driver and irons?
Yes, you should use the same grip for all of your shots with the exception of putting. It is important to have a solid grip and one that returns the clubface to square whether you are putting, chipping, pitching, hitting bunker shots or making full swings with your woods or irons.
What is Mueller tape made of?
Mueller MTape is hand tearable and is highly conformable. The tape is made from 100% cotton cloth with a zinc-based adhesive and colorfast dyes that will not bleed.
What tape do golfers use on fingers?
Product description. What is Mueller Grip Tape? Conforming elastic tape to help prevent finger blisters when gripping sports equipment, such as golf clubs, hockey and lacrosse sticks, cricket and baseball bats.
What fingers do you tape golf?
Players may tape certain joints on the fingers for comfort and protection. Tiger Woods is known for taping his right middle finger. Other players like Jordan Spieth have numerous calluses due to his slightly unorthodox right-hand grip. The tape is also applied to any weak cracked areas on the hand or fingers.
Why is golf so addicting?
Simply the process of going to the golf club, assembling equipment, teeing off at a set time and completing 18 holes is repetitive and can be comforting. As we seek ways to assuage anxiety, the repetitive nature of golf makes it addictive. “Anything repetitive tends to calm us down,” says Morris.
Why do rich people play golf?
Rich people play golf because they can afford the financial costs necessary to overcome its entry barriers. In addition, besides being an enjoyable activity, golf provides a certain social status, and it allows them to network with other wealthy individuals.
Do golfers live longer?
As golf can provide moderate-intensity physical activity – you can reap the rewards and outpace the grim reaper. A Swedish study found a 40% lower mortality rate amongst golfers, relative to non-golfers. That means a potential extra 5-years of life – regardless of age, or gender! Golfers live longer than non-golfers.
