Managing Ulna Stress Fractures in Amateur Golfers

By Kate Crump

Golf may seem like a low-impact sport, but for an amateur enthusiast that I met this week, her love of swinginghas led to an overuse injury—in her case an ulna stress fracture
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What Is an Ulna Stress Fracture?

The ulna is one of the two long bones in your forearm, running from the elbow to the wrist. A stress fracture is the development of microtrauma to the bone from the cycle of repetitive overload and insuufficient recovery. The bone can develops fractures from repetitive impact and rotation, such as the torque and strain of repeated golf swings—players with suboptimal technique or poor conditioning can be at higher risk, as well as those with poor nutrition, osteopaedia and those allowing for insufficient recovery or sudden changes in training loads.

Signs to Watch For:

• Persistent pain on the inside of the forearm or wrist
• Swelling or tenderness along the ulna
• Pain that worsens during or after golf
• Reduced grip strength or discomfort with daily activities

Why Amateur Golfers Are at Risk:

Amateur golfers often don’t have the same training, technique, or muscle conditioning as professionals. This can lead to increased strain on the non-dominant arm, particularly during impact with the ground (a common cause of trauma in mishits or “fat shots”).

Our  approach to management at Camberwell Hand Rehab involves:
🩺 1. Comprehensive Assessment: Our accredited hand therapist physiotherapists evaluate the full kinetic chain—from grip to shoulder mechanics—to identify contributing factors.
👐 2. Custom Splinting and Load Management: We offer lightweight, custom-made forearm orthoses to support healing while maintaining comfort and function.
💪 3. Guided Rehabilitation: Tailored physiotherapy focuses on graded loading, range of motion, and progressive strengthening of the wrist, forearm, and shoulder to support a safe return to sport.
🏌️ 4. Swing & Equipment Review: We can collaborate with your golf coach and recommend for swing analysis when necessary, ensuring that technique adjustments prevent recurrence.
🧠 5. Education & Prevention: We equip our clients with strategies for warm-up, swing biomechanics, and load monitoring to avoid future injury.

Don’t let forearm pain take you out of the game. Whether you’re managing a recent injury or seeking a second opinion, our team is here to help.
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📍Book your appointment today: