If you suffer from arthritis, there is great news for you! You do not have to quit playing golf. Actually, golf can help improve the symptoms of golf 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.
Don’t 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 golf 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.
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 golf. Stretch your muscles and swing a few times for practice. Swing half-strength at first and don’t 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 golf. It will help.
