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