Foot problems are common in golfers and can significantly affect both performance and long‑term participation in the sport. They arise from a mix of repetitive loading, rotational forces, swing technique, footwear, and training volume, and often coexist with other lower‑limb injuries
Injury burden and biomechanics
Epidemiological studies show that the lower extremity accounts for a substantial proportion of golf injuries, with the knee, ankle, and foot together forming a major injury cluster. One large US emergency department review reported that about 20% of lower‑extremity golf injuries presenting to emergency departments involved the foot, underscoring its vulnerability in this population. Overall injury prevalence in golfers is moderate, with one study reporting that approximately 27% of golfers sustain a musculoskeletal injury, and injury rates are higher in those who train or play more frequently.
The golf swing is a whole‑body kinetic chain that begins at the ground, and the feet provide the base for force generation and transfer. During the backswing, weight shifts to the trail foot, and then rapidly transfers to the lead foot in the downswing and impact phases, where the lead side may carry 80–95% of body weight. This weight shift occurs in combination with significant rotational movements: as the trunk rotates and hips externally rotate, the lead ankle internally rotates and supinates, a pattern associated with inversion‑type foot and ankle injuries, especially during follow‑through. Inadequate range of motion, weakness, or poor control at the foot and ankle level can therefore compromise swing mechanics and increase local tissue stress.
Plantar heel and arch pain
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most frequently reported foot conditions in golfers. It involves inflammation and degeneration of the plantar fascia under the heel and arch, often presenting as sharp heel pain with the first steps after rest and after prolonged walking. In golf, repetitive loading from walking many holes, combined with the torsional forces of the swing, contribute to microtrauma in the fascia. Over‑extension or excessive internal twisting of the feet, more common in inexperienced golfers with suboptimal stance and technique, further increases tensile stress through the medial arch.
During a round, golfers may take several thousand steps, amplifying the cumulative load on the heel, particularly on hard fairways or when wearing poorly cushioned shoes. Excess movement of the rearfoot during the swing can also strain the plantar fascia and associated ligaments, promoting heel pain. Without appropriate management—such as load modification, footwear changes, and targeted strengthening—plantar fasciitis can become a chronic source of disability and limit a golfer’s ability to walk the course.
Forefoot pain and neuromas
Forefoot pain is another key problem, with Morton’s neuroma and other interdigital neuritis patterns commonly described in golfers. Morton’s neuroma typically affects the intermetatarsal nerve, often between the third and fourth metatarsals, and presents as burning, tingling, or shooting pain from the ball of the foot into the toes. In right‑handed golfers, this condition is particularly associated with the lead foot because of the way weight is transferred onto the forefoot during the downswing and follow‑through. As the lead forefoot inverts to help decelerate the body and club, pressure in the intermetatarsal spaces increases, irritating the digital nerves and promoting neuroma formation over time.
Footwear and course conditions further modulate forefoot stress. Traditional golf shoes with metal or hard plastic spikes, especially when a spike is placed directly under the metatarsal heads, can concentrate pressure beneath one area of the forefoot. Repetitive loading over many shots and many rounds can then cause focal pain, swelling, and eventual nerve entrapment. Walking on uneven terrain and slopes, common on golf courses, also alters forefoot loading patterns, which may exacerbate symptoms in players with pre‑existing deformities such as hallux valgus or lesser toe malalignment.
Tendon, nail, and soft‑tissue problems
Tendinopathies involving the Achilles tendon and the tendons that support the arch (such as tibialis posterior) are also frequently observed in golfers. The rapid transfer of weight from the trail to the lead leg, combined with push‑off forces during walking, places repetitive tensile loads through the Achilles tendon. Over time, especially in older players or those with limited calf flexibility, this can produce Achilles tendonitis with pain, stiffness, and impaired propulsion. Similarly, repeated pronation and supination during the swing can stress the medial arch tendons, leading to tendonitis in the arch and contributing to medial foot pain.
Even relatively minor conditions such as subungual hematomas (bruising under the toenails) and nail trauma may affect golfers. Long walks, downhill lies, and shoes that are too tight or too loose allow the toes to repeatedly impact the end of the shoe, causing nail bed bleeding and discomfort. Blisters and calluses develop in response to friction and pressure from poorly fitting footwear or from gripping the ground aggressively during the swing. While these soft‑tissue issues may appear trivial, they can alter weight‑bearing patterns and subtly disrupt the golfer’s stance and balance.
Risk factors and prevention
Multiple factors increase a golfer’s risk of foot problems. Higher training frequency and playing volume are associated with greater overall injury risk, suggesting that cumulative load is a major driver of pathology. Technique errors, particularly excessive foot twisting and suboptimal weight transfer patterns, predispose players to plantar fascia strain, neuromas, and inversion injuries during follow‑through. Age‑related changes, reduced ankle and midfoot mobility, and pre‑existing deformities further magnify local stresses during the swing and while walking the course.
Prevention focuses on optimising biomechanics, footwear, and load. Coaching aimed at refining stance, foot alignment, and weight transfer can reduce harmful torsional stresses on the foot. Appropriate golf shoes—offering adequate cushioning, a stable heel counter, and spike arrangements that avoid focal pressure under the metatarsal heads—help distribute forces more evenly. Strengthening and flexibility programs for the foot and ankle, including calf stretching and intrinsic foot exercises, support better shock absorption and control during swing phases. Managing total walking distance, using carts when symptomatic, and addressing early signs of pain or stiffness can limit progression to more chronic conditions.
The unique combination of repetitive walking, rotational loading, and weight transfer inherent in golf makes the foot particularly susceptible to a range of problems, from plantar fasciitis and neuromas to tendon injuries and soft‑tissue lesions. Understanding the underlying biomechanics and modifiable risk factors allows golfers and clinicians to implement targeted strategies that protect foot health while preserving performance and enjoyment of the game.