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