Playing Golf With Arthritis
John Savage
If you suffer from arthritis, there is great news for you! You do not
have to quit playing golf. Actually, the sport can help improve the
symptoms of arthritis and add strength and mobility
Exercise has been found to be one of the best ways to treat
osteoarthritis. Exercise can help your mood, act as a pain reliever,
increase your flexibility, help you to maintain your weight, improve
your cardiovascular system, and make you generally healthier!
Osteoarthritis normally comes on very gradually. First, joints may be
sore after working hard physically, or exercising. Any joint may be
affected by osteoarthritis, but it usually occurs in the hands, hips,
knees, or spine.
Yes. All of the areas that osteoarthritis usually affects are used in
playing golf.
Dont let it worry you though. Playing golf can also help increase your
balance and your range of motion. If you walk the golf course, you will
benefit your health even more! That is why this is one of the exercises
that is recommended for someone with osteoarthritis!
Here is what you need to remember there are many special products
that are produced just to make golf easier on your joints and body.
The Arthritis Foundation or arthritis.org has some tips for arthritic
golfers that can help you enjoy golfing and they even suggest products
that can enable you to enjoy it even more!
Wrist braces and gloves are a great tool to wear when you play golf.
Stabilizing the joints in your hands and wrists will help your
osteoarthritis and both of these items are not very expensive.
A lower compression ball is also a great training aid, and wearing
spikeless golf shoes may be much more comfortable for you.
Ask your local golf store associate or golf pro if there are any
products that they recommend to make golf easier on your joints. There
are new products introduced all the time.
It is very important to always warm up before you play. Stretch your
muscles and swing a few times for practice. Swing half-strength at
first and dont try to hit the ball too hard. Everyone should warm up
and start swinging slowly. A hard swing is not necessary, it is
accuracy that is most important! Use tees when you play, it will help.
Water is very important for any golf player while you are playing. When
you begin to feel tired, rest a bit. It is not a rule that you have to
play all 18 holes, you need to make sure you enjoy the game.
When you feel sore after you play, here are a few tips to relieve your
pain and stiffness.
A warm shower can feel great on stiff muscles.
Gently stretch your muscles.
Apply an ice pack to any sore areas.
Sore joints need to be rested.
Magnetic therapy has been found to work.
Keep your weight at a healthy level. Carrying too much weight, can
make your hips and knees hurt
If you are still in pain for more than 1 hour after playing, then you
need to consult your physician or physical therapist. Work with them to
see if there are ways to adjust your game if you notice any of the
following symptoms of over exercise:
Unexplained or chronic tiredness. Feeling weak. Decreased range of
motion. Joint swelling increases. Pain that continues for more than one
hour after excercising.
Actually, golf coupled with proper warm ups can really help your
osteoarthritis and it is fun too!
john savage is a former health education official.
To discover a proven, but little known way to cure Arthritis, without
drugs, please visit my Blog at:-
http://ArthritisFree.blogspot.com
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