Monday, July 22, 2013

Golf In Addition To Arthritis

By Joyce Brown


If you are an arthritis sufferer, you don't have to give up your golf game! The truth is, playing golf can add strength and mobility to your body overall and improve your range of motion.

Research reveals that one of the best treatments for osteoarthritis is exercise. It might improve mood and outlook, decrease pain, increase flexibility, improve the heart and blood flow, maintain weight, and promote general physical fitness.

Normally, osteoarthritis (the most common form of arthritis) comes on slowly. At the beginning of the disease, joints may ache after physical work or exercise. Osteoarthritis can occur in any joint. Most often it happens at the hands, hips, knees, or spine, all of those areas used in playing the game of golf.

No worries, though. Golf actually helps increase your range of motion and your balance too. And the walking, if you could do it, will benefit your health in numerous ways. In short, golf is among the perfect exercises for somebody with osteoarthritis!

Now here's the key - you're probably going to need some special products to make golf a bit 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 example, 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 affordable.

Make use of 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 emerging all of the time.

Always warm up before you play. Perform some basic stretches, take a few practice swings. Begin swinging about half strength. Never try to hit the ball too hard. This one goes for everyone - not just folks with arthritis. It is accuracy that counts!

Making use of tees is going to help.

Drink water while you are playing. (again, an advice for everybody)

If you feel exhausted, listen to your body and rest a little. It is not a mortal sin to play less than 18 holes. The secret is to enjoy the game.

Now, if you're feeling sore after play, here are some things to try.

Take a warm shower.

Take a warm shower.

Rest the sore joint.

Use an ice pack on the sore area.

Try to keep your weight down. Too much weight can make your knees and hips hurt

Try magnetic therapy.

If playing golf causes pain that lasts for more than 1 hour, it's too much. Work with your physical therapist or doctor to change your game if you notice any of the following signs of excessive exercise:

Decreased range of motion

Increased weakness

Unusual or persistent fatigue

Continuing pain (pain that lasts more than 1 hour after exercising)

Increased joint swelling

In fact, when it comes right down to it, playing golf (together with warming up for your game with range of motion exercises) may be just what the doctor orders for arthritis help!




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment