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Golf and Arthritis
Good news! If
you're an arthritis sufferer, you don't have
to give up your golf game! In fact, playing
golf can add strength and mobility to your
body overall and improve your range of
motion.
Research shows
that one of the best treatments for
osteoarthritis is exercise. It can improve
mood and outlook, decrease pain, increase
flexibility, improve the heart and blood
flow, maintain weight, and promote general
physical fitness.
Usually,
osteoarthritis (the most common form of
arthritis) comes on slowly. Early in the
disease, joints may ache after physical work
or exercise. Osteoarthritis can occur in any
joint. Most often it occurs at the hands,
hips, knees, or spine.
Right. All
those areas used in playing the game of
golf.
No worries,
though. Golf actually helps increase your
range of motion and your balance as well.
And the walking, if you can do it, will
benefit your health in numerous ways. In
short, golf is one of the perfect exercises
for someone with osteoarthritis!
Now here's the
key - you are probably going to need some
special products to make golf a little
easier on your joints.
At arthritis.org,
the Arthritis Foundation shares some tips
for golfers to help you keep enjoying this
wonderful sport and suggests some products
that might help you.
For instance,
it's a good idea to wear wrist braces and
gloves when you play. This will help
stabilize the joints in your wrists and
hands. Both these items are inexpensive.
Try using a
lower compression ball.
Golf shoes
without spikes will likely be more
comfortable for you.
Ask your local
golf store specialist about the latest helps
for making golfing easier on your joints.
New products are coming out all the time.
Always warm up
before you play. Do some basic stretches,
take some practice swings. Start out
swinging about half strength. Never try to
hit the ball too hard. This one goes for
everyone - not just folks with arthritis.
It's accuracy that counts!
Using tees will
help.
Drink water
while you're playing. (again, a tip for
everyone)
If you feel
tired, listen to your body and rest a bit.
It's not a mortal sin to play less than 18
holes. The key is to enjoy the game.
Now, if you’re
feeling sore after play, here are some
things to try.
-
Take a warm
shower.
-
Do some
gentle stretching exercises.
-
Use an ice
pack on the sore area.
-
Rest the
sore joint.
-
Try magnetic
therapy.
-
Try to keep
your weight down. Too much weight can
make your knees and hips hurt
If playing golf
causes pain that lasts for more than 1 hour,
it’s too much. Work with your physical
therapist or doctor to adjust your game when
you notice any of the following signs of too
much exercise:
Unusual or
persistent fatigue
Increased
weakness
Decreased range
of motion
Increased joint
swelling
Continuing pain
(pain that lasts more than 1 hour after
exercising)
Really, when it
comes right down to it, playing golf (along
with warming up for your game with range of
motion exercises) may be just what the
doctor orders for arthritis help!
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