| If you suffer from arthritis, there is | | | | Ask your local golf store associate or |
| great news for you! You do not have to | | | | golf pro if there are any products that |
| quit playing golf. Actually, the sport | | | | they recommend to make golf easier on |
| can help improve the symptoms of | | | | your joints. There are new products |
| arthritis and add strength and mobility | | | | introduced all the time. |
| Exercise has been found to be one of the | | | | It is very important to always warm up |
| best ways to treat osteoarthritis. | | | | before you play. Stretch your muscles |
| Exercise can help your mood, act as a | | | | and swing a few times for practice. |
| pain reliever, increase your | | | | Swing half-strength at first and don't |
| flexibility, help you to maintain your | | | | try to hit the ball too hard. Everyone |
| weight, improve your cardiovascular | | | | should warm up and start swinging |
| system, and make you generally | | | | slowly. A hard swing is not necessary, |
| healthier! | | | | it is accuracy that is most important! |
| Osteoarthritis normally comes on very | | | | Use tees when you play, it will help. |
| gradually. First, joints may be sore | | | | Water is very important for any golf |
| after working hard physically, or | | | | player while you are playing. When you |
| exercising. Any joint may be affected | | | | begin to feel tired, rest a bit. It is |
| by osteoarthritis, but it usually occurs | | | | not a rule that you have to play all 18 |
| in the hands, hips, knees, or spine. | | | | holes, you need to make sure you enjoy |
| Yes. All of the areas that | | | | the game. |
| osteoarthritis usually affects are used | | | | When you feel sore after you play, here |
| in playing golf. | | | | are a few tips to relieve your pain and |
| Don't let it worry you though. Playing | | | | stiffness. |
| golf can also help increase your balance | | | | - A warm shower can feel great on stiff |
| and your range of motion. If you walk | | | | muscles. |
| the golf course, you will benefit your | | | | - Gently stretch your muscles. |
| health even more! That is why this is | | | | - Apply an ice pack to any sore areas. |
| one of the exercises that is recommended | | | | - Sore joints need to be rested. |
| for someone with osteoarthritis! | | | | - Magnetic therapy has been found to |
| Here is what you need to remember - | | | | work. |
| there are many special products that are | | | | - Keep your weight at a healthy level. |
| produced just to make golf easier on | | | | Carrying too much weight, can make your |
| your joints and body. | | | | hips and knees hurt |
| The Arthritis Foundation or | | | | If you are still in pain for more than 1 |
| arthritis.org has some tips for | | | | hour after playing, then you need to |
| arthritic golfers that can help you | | | | consult your physician or physical |
| enjoy golfing and they even suggest | | | | therapist. Work with them to see if |
| products that can enable you to enjoy it | | | | there are ways to adjust your game if |
| even more! | | | | you notice any of the following symptoms |
| Wrist braces and gloves are a great tool | | | | of over exercise: |
| to wear when you play golf. Stabilizing | | | | Unexplained or chronic tiredness. |
| the joints in your hands and wrists will | | | | Feeling weak. Decreased range of motion. |
| help your osteoarthritis and both of | | | | Joint swelling increases. Pain that |
| these items are not very expensive. | | | | continues for more than one hour after |
| A lower compression ball is also a great | | | | excercising. |
| training aid, and wearing spikeless golf | | | | Actually, golf coupled with proper warm |
| shoes may be much more comfortable for | | | | ups can really help your osteoarthritis |
| you. | | | | and it is fun too! |