For many golfers, hanging up their boots is what comes to mind immediately the arthritis diagnosis results turn out positive. But then, it’s never the end of a golfing career. You can still do a few more years as long as you follow the below five tips.
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1. Stick to Your Rheumatologist’s Advice
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While we have tips which can help relieve pain when playing golf, you must follow the osteoarthritis treatment from the rheumatologist, including diet, medication and maybe, therapy. Above all, make sure to exercise and do warm-ups before starting any golf session. Also, take adequate breaks to prevent fatigue.
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2. Find a Sweet Spot Between Graphite and Steel Shafts
Using proper shafts can be the difference between a whining golfer and a happy one, and it gets serious with arthritis patients. Make sure to try both options and find out which type works best for you. While there exist several differences, the most crucial is the fact that graphite shafts are lighter and thus the best for arthritic golfers. And it shouldn’t be a significant decision, because even pro golfers prefer graphite shafts as the ball travels longer.
3. Lower Compression Balls are the Best
From the science of a golf ball, experts recommend lower compression balls to help you shoot lower scores and play better generally. Besides, these balls have less kickback and reduced sudden forceful recoil, which are of benefit to golfers with back pains, hip arthritis and general joint pains.
4. Adjust Your Swing
Some swing positions will help you alleviate pain related to hip osteoarthritis. Before kicking out, try to adjust your swing position and find that sweet spot where you feel less pressure on your hip and back regions. While making the adjustments, always remember that you should concentrate on the width of the swing, and not the length. It’s also recommended that you end the swing early, preferably at the three o’clock position, instead of one o’clock.
5. Use Arthritic Golf Club Grips
There are specially designed golf club grips for golfers with several forms of arthritis, including that of fingers, hands, wrists, and overall joint pains. They are larger and have extra cushioning, which provides excellent comfort and ergonomics for a better feel of the club, and most importantly, for easy swing control. Also, look out for perimeter-weighted heads to absorb the shock.
Conclusion
The above five are just some of the basic tips which will help you manage your osteoarthritis when golfing. While they may assist a great deal in easing the pain, it’s important to heed the advice of your rheumatologist even when you feel you are good to go. When you are advised not to go golfing, sit back, relax and hope your condition improves.
