Foot & Ankle Pain on the Fairway: Common Golf Injuries and How to Treat Them

Golf may be a low-impact sport, but it places unique demands on the feet and ankles—especially with long hours walking, standing, and twisting through the swing. Whether you’re playing 18 holes in Michigan’s summer sunshine or just practicing your short game, pain in your lower extremities can quickly take the joy out of your game.

Dr. Robert Mihalich frequently treats golfers—both recreational and competitive—who develop foot and ankle conditions due to overuse, poor footwear, or biomechanical stress. Here are the most common issues and how we can help you get back on course:

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1. Plantar Fasciitis

This condition involves inflammation of the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot and is especially aggravated by walking long distances on hard or uneven surfaces, like a golf course.

Symptoms: Heel pain with first steps in the morning or after a round

Treatment: Stretching, soft inserts, physical therapy, laser treatments, and occasionally injections.

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2. Ankle Sprains

Golfers often walk uneven terrain, making them prone to twisting injuries. A misstep in a sand trap or rough patch can easily lead to a lateral ankle sprain.

Symptoms: Swelling, bruising, and tenderness around the ankle

Treatment: Bracing, physical therapy, and for recurring sprains, surgical stabilization

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3. Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD)

The posterior tibial tendon supports the arch during weightbearing activities like walking and swinging. Over time, this tendon can weaken, leading to flatfoot and instability.

Symptoms: Pain along the inner ankle and arch, especially when walking or pushing off

Treatment: Early stages respond to bracing and physical therapy, while advanced cases may require reconstructive surgery

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4. Morton’s Neuroma

Wearing tight golf shoes or walking for extended periods can irritate nerves between the toes, leading to Morton’s neuroma—a thickening of nerve tissue.

Symptoms: Burning, tingling, or numbness in the ball of the foot

Treatment: Shoe modifications, corticosteroid injections, and surgical decompression if conservative measures fail

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5. Arthritis of the Foot or Ankle

Golfers with a history of injury or overuse may develop arthritis, especially in the big toe (hallux rigidus) or ankle joint, limiting range of motion and swing stability.

Symptoms: Joint stiffness, swelling, pain with weightbearingTreatment: Joint injections, shoe modifications, or joint-preserving surgery or fusion depending on severity

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Expert Care for Golfers at Any Level

If foot or ankle pain is affecting your stance, your swing, or your ability to enjoy the game, it’s time to consult an expert.  Dr. Robert Mihalich provides customized care for athletes of all kinds—including golfers looking to play pain-free.  As a fellow golfer, he understands the importance of staying healthy and comfortable in order to enjoy the game.

Don’t let discomfort drive you off the course. Schedule an appointment today at www.advancedortho.net or call 810-299-8550 to explore treatment options tailored to your condition and lifestyle.