At a Glance
- Area affected
- Hand, fingers and thumb
- Also known as
- Grip-related hand pain, finger tendon strain
- Common golf trigger
- Grip pressure, impact force through the palm and repetitive gripping.
- Our approach
- Reduce and redistribute grip load, settle the tissue, then rebuild grip strength.
The hands are your only contact with the club, so they take every bit of impact force that travels up from the ball. Grip pressure and grip fit have a big influence on hand pain.
Most golf hand injuries are soft-tissue or tendon related and settle with the right management. A few specific injuries need prompt assessment, which is why an accurate diagnosis is worthwhile.
Common Golf Hand Problems
- Finger and thumb tendon strain from gripping
- Palm pain from impact force, particularly the lead hand
- Base-of-thumb pain aggravated by grip and rotation
- Blisters and skin issues from grip changes or high volume
One injury worth knowing about
Persistent pain at the base of the palm on the little-finger side can occasionally involve a small wrist bone (the hook of the hamate). It does not always settle on its own, so lingering pain there is worth getting assessed.
Why Grip Matters So Much
How hard you grip and how the grip fits your hand change the load through every joint in the hand. Small adjustments often make a big difference to symptoms.
- Excessive grip pressure through the swing
- A grip size that does not suit your hand
- A sudden increase in range or playing volume
- Worn grips that make you hold on tighter
How Physiotherapy Helps
Treatment settles the irritated tissue, then addresses grip pressure, grip fit and load so the hand can tolerate golf again. Where needed, taping or splinting protects a specific structure early on.
- 01
Assess
Identify which structure is painful and how grip is loading it.
- 02
Offload
Adjust grip pressure and fit, and protect the area if required.
- 03
Strengthen
Progressive hand and grip strengthening restores tolerance.
- 04
Return
A staged return to full grip load and play.
Check your grips
Worn or too-small grips make you squeeze harder without realising. A refit and regrip is one of the simplest ways to reduce hand strain.
This page is general information about golf injuries, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Every golfer is different, so book an assessment with Kam for advice tailored to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my hands hurt after playing golf?
Usually it is grip related. Excess grip pressure, a grip that does not fit your hand, or a jump in volume overloads the tendons and soft tissues of the hand, leaving them sore.
Can changing my grip fix hand pain?
Often it helps a great deal. Grip pressure and grip size directly affect load through the hand, so a refit and a lighter grip frequently reduce symptoms alongside treatment.
When should I worry about hand pain?
Pain that is sharp, persistent, or focused on the base of the palm near the little finger deserves assessment, as some hand injuries do not resolve without specific management.
How Kam Can Help
Golf Fitness Screening
You would not rebuild a swing without knowing what your body can and cannot do. A golf fitness screening gives you that picture.
Explore Golf Fitness Screening