Golf

Golf
Golf is an extremely popular recreational and competitive sport worldwide which has no gender or age limits. Although golf is not considered a rigorous sport, the physical act of repeatedly swinging a golf club and the continuous walking for many miles having to cope with different surfaces, changing temperatures and unstable weather and considering that not all Golfers are in peak physical condition, Golfers are prone to foot injuries.

Warming Up
Doing proper warm up exercises reduces the risk of injury in golfers, however the current warm up habits of many golfers is poor. In fact studies shows that half of golfers perform no warm up at all.

An appropriate warm up for golfers includes a period of general aerobic activity to increase body temperature, systematic stretching of the 'golf muscles' (hands, wrists, forearms, shoulders, lower back, chest, trunk, hamstrings, and groin), and then a series of golf swings with a progressive increase in range of motion and speed. This would be a very good way to warm up; one which may enhances performances and should decrease the risk of injury.

Golf is a sport where flexibility of the shoulders and hips is very important, it is also necessary that the feet should move to the extreme in an inward and outward direction.

Golfer's foot injuries
It is the repeated action of swinging the golf club that overextends the big toe joint on the back foot and may lead to a condition whereby the big toe joint is affected and becomes restricted in movement. If left untreated, the condition may become painful and arthritis may set in the big toe.

Another foot problem that is common in golfers is a Neuroma. The area most often involved is the ball of the foot, whereby inflammation and swelling of the covering of the nerve that runs between the third and forth toes causes pain that can feel like a hot needle between the toes or a lumpy wrinkle on the bottom of the foot.  Some numbness may be present.

The shoe spikes that are located directly beneath the ball of the foot can cause intense pain and swelling in the ball of the foot and any pair of golf shoes can be made more foot-friendly by removing the poorly located spikes.

Golfers walk many miles, and as such walking related injuries may occur. Excessive pressure and friction may lead to the development of Corns and Foot Calluses. Care must be taken to wear the right shoes, make sure it is the correct size and fitting and that it provides good support. The upper should be leather as it takes the shape of the foot and so reduces the pressure on the foot which allows the foot to breathe. The sole should be of a rubber material with low profile soft spikes for increased grip and protection and the shoe must have a good lacing system to improve fit and stability.

It is important to wear the correct socks; the right Golf Socks will provide good cushioning to the heel and toe area and will also allow good air circulation.

The efficient use of the foot during walking is vital and it is recommended to have your feet examined to confirm the biomechanics of your feet. Any deviation form the efficient position may cause strain to the ligaments in the foot and indeed may affect the whole posture. As a result of the misalignment you may develop a condition known as Plantar Fasciitis which manifest itself as pain under the sole of the foot or Heel pain which is a result of increase pressure under the heel.

The answer is the provision of insoles or orthotics which will correct the way you use your foot on the ground. This can be in the form of off the shelf� insoles or orthotics or indeed custom made ones.

This information is for guidance only. If you are in doubt at all, please consult your nearest health professional.