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