Can You Play Golf With Hip or Knee Osteoarthritis?

The short answer is, YES. Many people with hip or knee osteoarthritis continue to play golf. It allows you to stay active and continue participating in a sport you love. However, many golfers with arthritis worry that playing might make their pain worse. Questioning if you should continue to play is very understandable.

The good news is that most people with knee or hip osteoarthritis can continue to play golf comfortably with the right approach. Understanding your arthritis and making a few simple adjustments can help you stay active and enjoy the game for years to come.

What Is Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a condition that affects joints, commonly the knees, hips and fingers. The condition effects the whole joint, including the cartilage, ligaments, bones, mensici (knee), labrum (hip) and joint fluid.

It is most commonly caused by not being physically active as we age and is influenced by many joint and person specific factors.

People with osteoarthritis often experience symptoms such as joint stiffness, aching, pain with walking, and discomfort during or after activity. These symptoms can fluctuate depending on how much the joint has been used.

Although osteoarthritis is very common as we get older, it does not mean you have to stop being active.

Can You Still Play Golf With Osteoarthritis?

In most cases, the answer is yes!

Golf is generally considered a osteoarthritis friendly sport because it involves controlled movements rather than repetitive high impact forces such as running or jumping. Many people with knee or hip osteoarthritis find that continuing to play golf helps them stay mobile and maintain strength.

The key is managing how much load the joint is exposed to. Playing several rounds in a short period of time, walking long courses without preparation can irritate the joint.

Gradually building up your activity and allowing time for recovery can make a big difference in how comfortable your joints feel during and after golf.

Why Staying Active Is Important

Remaining active is one of the most effective ways to manage osteoarthritis.

Playing golf in conjunction with a tailored multi-week strengthening program will improve muscle strength, and supports overall joint health. Strengthening the muscles around the hips and knees can reduce the load placed on the joint during movements such as walking, rotating, and swinging a golf club.

Golf can also provide social and mental benefits. Staying engaged in activities you enjoy is important for overall wellbeing and long term health.

My Top Tips for Playing Golf With Knee or Hip Osteoarthritis

A proper warm up before playing can help prepare the joints and surrounding muscles for movement. Gentle mobility exercises for the hips, lower back, and legs can improve comfort during the round. Hitting a few balls in the cage before stepping onto the first tee will also help warm up your muscles and increase mobility of your joints.

Building strength in the hips and legs is also important. Strong muscles support the joint and help reduce stress placed on the knee or hip during walking and rotation.

Managing your playing volume is another key factor (often overlooked as well). Gradually increasing the number of holes you play or the amount of time spent practicing helps your body adapt without irritation.

Players also report that wearing knee braces helps with reducing knee pain during their swing. braces can help to reduce the rotation through your knee cause irritation.

Some golfers also find that using a golf cart or buggy on longer courses helps reduce fatigue and joint load.

Finally, paying attention to early symptoms such as stiffness or soreness can help you adjust activity levels before pain becomes more significant.

When Should You Seek Help?

If your knee or hip pain begins to limit your ability to play golf comfortably, it may be helpful to seek professional advice.

An assessment can help identify mobility restrictions, strength deficits, or movement patterns that may be contributing to joint irritation. Addressing these factors early can often make a significant difference in reducing symptoms and improving confidence on the course.

My Final Say…

Knee and hip osteoarthritis are common conditions, but this doesn’t signify the end of your golfing years. With the right approach to activity, strength, and mobility, many golfers continue to play comfortably and enjoy the sport well into later life.

Staying active, listening to your body, and making small adjustments when needed can help you continue playing golf and maintain your overall health for years to come.