After a neck injury and ADHD diagnosis in 2023, the medical conditions continue to become a nightmare for Charley Hull. However, everything was looking good for Hull as she was trying to manage the hardships and find peace in the gym. But now she has been diagnosed with degenerative arthritis in the shoulder. What is degenerative arthritis? It is something that can be cured?

It all started before the Olympics when Hull fell in the shower and injured her shoulder. After the diagnosis, doctors identified it as degenerative arthritis, a condition where the cartilage lining your joints gradually wears away, causing the bones to rub against each other during movement. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this condition. As per the Cleveland Clinic, people cannot grow cartilage in affected areas, and the same goes for Hull’s as well.

Two days before the 2024 AIG Women’s Open, Charley Hull also talked about it in a press conference and said, “My shoulder just got a little bit tight, so I had acupuncture and needles in it every other day. When it’s cold, it can play up a bit. I’ve got degenerative arthritis in it as well.” Regardless of the struggle, she was positive and said, “So when it does get cold, it gets a bit stiff, so [I] just try to keep it warm. Apart from that, I’m healthy and ready to go.” 

Degenerative arthritis causes pain and swelling in the joints, and some even feel stiffness around the affected areas as well. As mentioned, it’s an incurable condition. How will it affect the golfer’s career?

Will degenerative arthritis restrict Charley Hull on the greens?

Degenerative arthritis seems to be a common condition in active athletes. It indeed restricts players with the pain and stiffness it causes, but there are measures to control it as well. Some doctors prescribe over-the-counter pain relievers, which can help reduce inflammation and pain for the time being. Charley Hull can also consider some exercise to get rid of stiffness in the shoulder.

Some experts also prescribe low-impact activities like swimming, water aerobics, and weight training. In some cases, athletes also consider wearing supporting devices to relieve pressure on the affected area. Overall, massage, medication, exercise, and more might help Charley Hull deliver ideal performances. However, if it gets worse, she might have to consider surgery and take a break from the greens.

Do you think this hardship will force Charley Hull to consider surgery? Do let us know your thoughts in the comments below!