Golf is a great sport. It can be fun, relaxing and challenging but it can also be frustrating, especially when you are injuried. Even Tiger Woods gets injured. Remember his heroic play with a torn knee in 2010? Obviously, while playing with the injury his performance suffered. Even though you are not Tiger Woods we understand your need to compete while on the course. Golf injuries not only hamper your competitive ability but often prevent you from participating altogether. Some of the common golf injuries treated at Dr. Runco's clinic are Golfer's Elbow/medail epicondylitis, Tennis Elbow/lateral epicondylitis, lower back pain, plantar fasciitis, knee pain and rotator cuff tendonitis. The key to treating most golf injuries is by recognizing the injury early on and prevent it from worsening.
Early warning signs to recognize are pain, swelling, decreased range of motion and possibly weakness. If you have any or all of these warning signs you are probably injured. The first course of action is to rest for 3-5 days from any painful activity, including golf. While most golfers do not want to do this it is imperative. If you continue to golf and make the injury worse you will only be looking at a longer layoff from your favorite sport in the future. If rest is not an option due to an upcoming tournament Dr. Runco can help you get through your event without increasing the severity of the injury. If you have been suffering from a chronic golf injury Dr. Runco can perform a thorough orthopedic, neurological and biomechanical examination to determine the nature and cause of your injury. Then he will be able to provide you with an accurate diagnosis and options so that you may rid yourself of your problem.
"Patient's ask me, "Do you golf?" I always respond, well I have a set of clubs and sometimes I take them to a golf course and I hit a ball around trying to get it into a little hole. I am not sure if what I do actually qualifies as golfing but I sure have fun while I am doing it." In truth I understand the game of golf and the stresses it imposes on our back, shoulders and arms as well as the torque on the knees. I also understand that to some golf is their Yoga. I never have or would ever suggest to a golfer that they take up another sport. I "get it" and wil do everything possible to help a golfer return to thier passion pain free.
"I am on the board at Torrey Pines and had a back injury for years. It got worse to the point that I could barely make it through 9 holes. Dr. Runco diagnosed me with instability in my L5 vertebra and suggested aggressive strengthening. It helped a little but I was still in pain. Then he taped it with the magic tape. Instantly I could feel the difference. Not only was I able to play all 18 holes with minimal discomfort but I beat my buddies in the tournament. Dr. Runco then had my wife come to an appointment with me and taught her how to Kinesiotape my back before I golf. Amazing!"
